Landlords who have not yet applied for a licence under the Selective Licensing Scheme introduced in parts of Grimsby’s East Marsh are being urged to act now, with just weeks remaining before the application deadline.
The scheme, which came into force on 8 April 2026, requires all private landlords with properties within the designated Selective Licensing area to obtain a licence for each rented property they own. Those who have not submitted an application have until October 8 2026 to do so or face additional charges and potential enforcement action.
A final one-to-one support session for landlords who are having difficulty applying will take place on September 25 at Grimsby Town Hall. You can sign up for the session here: https://nelc_one-to-one-sl-application-sessions-25_sept.eventbrite.co.uk
Delivered by Home Safe, the Council’s Selective Licensing delivery partner, these 45 minute one-to-one sessions support landlords in completing licence applications through the online platform.
Landlords who fail to apply by the deadline will incur a £200 late fee, and those renting without a licence risk enforcement action, including financial penalties of up to £40,000 or an unlimited fine.
North East Lincolnshire Council approved the designation of the Selective Licensing area on 7 October 2025, with the scheme coming into force on 8 April 2026. The five-year scheme targets privately-rented properties and is designed to drive up property management standards, improve tenant safety, and create a more stable and welcoming community.
Landlords can check here: Selective Licensing | NELC) to see if their properties fall within the scheme area. If so, they must apply for their licences online through Home Safe: North East Lincolnshire Council Selective Licensing | Home Safe Scheme
For enquiries, contact Home Safe: info@home-safe.org.uk or telephone 0330 6600 282.
Private sector landlords across the region are also being encouraged to attend a major housing conference this autumn, designed to help them understand and prepare for the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
NELC, a proud supporter of DASH Services, is promoting the East Midlands Housing Conference 2026, which will take place at the East Midlands Conference Centre on 20 October 2026.
Organised by DASH Services, the conference will provide landlords, letting agents and housing professionals with practical guidance on the real-world impact of the Renters’ Rights Act. Delegates will hear from leading experts, gain practical advice on compliance, and explore how the reforms are reshaping the private rented sector.
Cllr Paul Batson, NELC Portfolio Holder for Housing, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “Selective Licensing and the Renters’ Rights Act are both about raising standards across the private rented sector and ensuring tenants have access to safe, well-managed homes. We want to support responsible landlords to meet their obligations and stay informed about upcoming changes to housing legislation.
“I would encourage landlords to take advantage of the support available through Home Safe and to engage with opportunities such as the East Midlands Housing Conference. By preparing now, landlords can ensure they remain compliant, protect their investments, and help create stronger, safer communities for residents.”
Linda Cobb OBE, Principal Manager of DASH Services, said: “The response to our 2025 East Midlands Housing Conference exceeded all expectations, demonstrating the demand for clear, independent advice. This year’s event comes at a crucial time as landlords begin to navigate the practical implications of the Renters’ Rights Act.”
Further information and booking details are available on the DASH Services website. DASH Services – The East Midlands 2026 Housing Conference: Six Months On: Renters’ Rights Act in Practice
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