Support sessions for landlords as Selective Licensing Scheme begins in East Marsh

Landlords in part of East Marsh, Grimsby, are being urged to apply for a licence now that North East Lincolnshire Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme is in force.

The scheme, which started on 8 April 2026 and runs until 7 April 2031, applies to all private rented properties within the designated area of East Marsh Ward. Check the map here:  Selective Licensing | NELC

A selective licensing scheme means that landlords must have council permission to rent out homes in the area. To get a licence, landlords must show their properties are safe, well‑managed and meet legal standards. The aim is to improve housing conditions and protect tenants. Engagement with the scheme so far has been encouraging.

The council is working with Home Safe, a specialist company that manages licensing schemes for local authorities. All landlords must apply online through Home Safe here: North East Lincolnshire Council Selective Licensing | Home Safe Scheme

To help those who may struggle with the online process, one‑to‑one support sessions will take place at Grimsby Town Hall on 26 May 2026. Each pre‑booked 30‑minute session will help landlords set up an account, add property details and submit a licence application.

You can see availability and book a place online here:  https://one-to-one-north-east-lincs-council-licensing-support-sessions.eventbrite.co.uk

Landlords attending must bring electronic copies of all required documents, including proof of identity, proof of address, property ownership details, safety certificates and a bank card to pay the first part of the licence fee.

East Marsh is among the most deprived areas in the country, with a high number of privately rented homes and ongoing issues such as poor housing conditions, fuel poverty, noise nuisance and fly‑tipping. The selective licensing scheme is designed to help landlords and tenants work together to raise standards and improve the area for residents.

Landlords can check if their property is within the licensing area and book a support session through the council’s website.

It is an offence to rent out a property in a designated area without applying for a Selective Licence. Landlords with unlicenced rented properties can face a financial penalty notice of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine from the court. Landlords could also be ordered to repay up to 12 months’ rent.