Liverpool Council Increases Enforcement Staff to Support Selective Licensing

Liverpool City Council has announced a major recruitment drive to strengthen its enforcement team responsible for overseeing the private rented sector. Seven new officers have already been appointed, with a further 27 expected to join during the next financial year. This expansion will bring the total number of staff dedicated to private rental sector issues in Liverpool to 120.

This staffing increase follows similar moves by Westminster and Mansfield District councils, which have also hired additional personnel to manage selective licensing schemes. The council’s decision reflects the growing scale and complexity of regulating private landlords in the city.

Plans to Extend Selective Licensing Across Liverpool

The council is consulting on a proposal to introduce a new selective licensing scheme covering the entire city from April 2027. Currently, the existing scheme covers approximately 80% of privately rented properties, with some areas excluded. Liverpool City Council aims to broaden this coverage to ensure more landlords are subject to licensing requirements.

Councillor Liam Robinson, the council leader, emphasised the importance of the additional staff in addressing poor landlord practices. He said: “We are committed to working alongside landlords to ensure rental properties in Liverpool are safe and well-managed, and to taking action in cases where they are not.”

He also highlighted the unexpected increase in properties requiring licensing: “Landlords with properties in designated areas have a legal duty to sign up for the scheme, and we now have 5,000 more properties than anticipated, which shows the size and scale of the sector in Liverpool and why we need to dedicate appropriate resources to the issue.”

Councillor Robinson added: “By putting more boots on the ground, we can make a real difference to people who are living in conditions that are simply not good enough and whose landlords are in breach of the law.”

Funding and Focus Areas for Additional Enforcement Staff

The council confirmed that the funding for the new enforcement officers will come from increased income generated by the Landlord Licensing scheme, HMO licensing fees, and government funding linked to the Renters’ Rights Act. This financial model ensures that the staffing expansion is sustainable and directly linked to regulatory activities.

The additional staff will focus on landlords who require tenants to pay rent in cash, those suspected of criminal activity, and enforcing the council’s responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act. This legislation, set to become law later this year, grants councils enhanced powers, including surprise inspections and the ability to enter premises where tenancy records are held.

Councillor Hetty Wood, Cabinet member for Housing, described the Renters’ Rights Act as “a once-in-a-generation change to the private rented sector” that will improve security, quality, and fairness for tenants. She stated: “We will be using our powers under the legislation to make sure that landlords and letting agents meet their legal obligations. Our plan to renew the Landlord Licensing scheme will also strengthen our ability to take action where needed.”

Implications for Landlords in Liverpool

Landlords operating in Liverpool should prepare for increased scrutiny as the council extends its selective licensing scheme citywide and implements the Renters’ Rights Act. Compliance with licensing requirements and tenancy regulations will be closely monitored by a larger enforcement team empowered to conduct surprise inspections and issue substantial fines.

The council’s approach signals a firm stance against poor landlord practices, particularly those involving cash rent payments and suspected criminality. Landlords are advised to ensure their properties meet legal standards and that they adhere strictly to licensing obligations to avoid enforcement action.

Context: Selective Licensing as a Regulatory Tool

Selective licensing schemes are intended to improve standards in the private rented sector but are recommended by government guidance to be used only as a last resort. The expansion of Liverpool’s scheme and the associated increase in enforcement resources reflect the council’s assessment of the scale of issues within its rental market.

While selective licensing can impose additional costs and administrative duties on landlords, it also offers a framework for improving tenant safety and property management standards. Liverpool’s approach, combined with the Renters’ Rights Act, represents a significant regulatory development for landlords in the city.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Selective licensing scheme
• Renters’ Rights Act
• Landlord Licensing scheme
• HMO licensing fees
• Private rented sector enforcement
• Landlord legal obligations
• Surprise inspections powers
• Tenant rent payments
• Council enforcement staff
• Private rented sector regulation

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/