How to comply with a selective licence

How to comply with the conditions for selective licensing in East, South and West Leeds.

On 3 November 2025, Leeds City Council designated a selective licensing scheme in parts of the following priority wards: 

  • Burmantofts and Richmond Hill
  • Gipton and Harehills
  • Hunslet and Riverside
  • Beeston and Holbeck
  • Armley
  • Farnley and Wortley

The scheme is designated as of the 9 February 2026 to the 8 February 2031.

From the 9 February 2026 (or within 14 days of owning a licensable property) you are required to have a licence to rent out your property. That licence has a number of conditions which require the licence holder or any responsible person to adhere to during the lifetime of the scheme. Failure to obtain a licence or comply with the conditions within it could lead to being prosecuted or a civil penalty.

This document provides guidance relating to how you can comply with the conditions with your selective licence. It is important to read in conjunction with the licence conditions themselves.

Introduction

A selective licence has conditions attached which the licence holder, and any other person on whom any of the restrictions or obligations of a licence are imposed, is required to comply with. Failure to comply with a condition is an offence which could result in an unlimited fine in the Magistrates’ Court or a civil penalty of up to £30,000.

This document provides guidance on the action a licence holder or (if appropriate) any other person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, can take to comply with the conditions of a selective licence issued by Leeds City Council. It is important that it is read in conjunction with a selective licence.

 It is the responsibility of the licence holder and (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, to ensure they comply with the conditions of a selective licence. If you are unsure about any requirement of the licence or any aspect of the advice set out in these notes, you should seek independent professional and/or legal advice. You may contact the Selective Licensing Team but you must remember that ultimately it is the responsibility of the licence holder and (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed to ensure they comply with all the requirements of the licence.

The Selective Licensing Team can be contacted as follows –

Tel. 0113 535 1369

Email: ESWselective.licensing@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk/selectivelicensing

General

G1. A Selective Licence issued by Leeds City Council (‘the council’) contains conditions relating to the following matters:

  1. Gas
  2. Electrical safety
  3. Smoke alarms
  4. Carbon monoxide alarms
  5. Furniture and furnishings
  6. Antisocial behaviour and illegal activity
  7. Management of the property
  8. Property inspections
  9. Household waste
  10. Tenancy management
  11. Licence

Some of the licence conditions, including for example those relating to antisocial behaviour and illegal activity and property inspections, require the keeping of records and they detail the information that must be kept. Where a condition does not require records to be kept, it is recommended that the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, considers doing so as records, together with other evidence such as photographs or a completed checklist, may help demonstrate compliance with a licence condition. Any records kept should be retained for the duration of the Selective Licence and should be available for inspection.

G2. Where repairs are identified as needed at the licensed property, it is good practice to carry them out as follows:

  1. Emergency repairs and/or making a property safe should be carried out as soon as practicable and normally within 24 hours of a report of (or the discovery of) a defect unless this is not practicable. Emergency repairs include those where a defect poses a significant risk of danger to the health, safety or security of a tenant or third party on the premises, or that affects the structure of a building adversely
  2. Urgent repairs should be attended to within 3 working days of the report of a defect unless this is not practicable
  3. All other repairs should be carried out within 20 working days of the report of the defect unless this is not practicable.

G3. It is important to note that:

  1. Throughout this document, the words house, property and licensed property are used interchangeably. Note that a licensed property also includes flats and other dwellings licensed by the Council under Part 3 of the Housing Act 2004.
  2. Where an obligation is placed on an individual in legislation other than the Housing Act 2004, this is made clear. Similarly, if something is recommended as good property management practice, this is identified as such.

Licence conditions

1. Gas

1.1 Where gas is supplied to the licensed property, the installations and all appliances must be kept in a gas safe condition.

1.2 In accordance with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, arrangements must be made for a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out an annual check of the flue(s), chimney(s) and installation together with any gas appliances and associated fittings provided at the property, to ensure they are safe. On completion of the check, the engineer should issue a certificate confirming the check and the results. They should also make a copy available to the tenants.

1.3 A copy of the annual gas safety certificate must be provided to the Council. This should be done within 14 days of the date of the engineer’s check.

1.4 A copy of the current gas safety certificate must be provided to the tenants at the start of each tenancy.

In accordance with the above-mentioned regulations, a copy of the certificate must also be given to tenants within 28 days after any new gas safety check. 

1.5 It is good property management practice to provide instruction booklets for the gas appliances made available as part of a tenancy and tenants should be encouraged to report any problems associated with the appliances and the gas installation.

The Gas Safe Register website is a useful source of information. As well as containing an official list of gas engineers, it contains specific information for landlords and tenants.

Electrical Safety

2.1 All electrical appliances that are made available as part of a tenancy, including for example a refrigerator, washing machine, table lamp and vacuum cleaner, should be checked regularly to ensure they are safe to use.

Basic visual checks should be carried out during each tenancy and at the changeover of any tenancy to ensure that, for example:

  1. There are no cuts or abrasions to the cable covering.
  2. The outer covering of the cable is gripped by the cord grip in the plug top so that no coloured cable cores are visible from the outside of the plug.
  3. The plug casing is not cracked and the pins of the plug are not bent.
  4. There are no loose parts or screws.
  5. No part of the appliance is damaged or missing.
  6. The appliance is operating as intended.

Defective and unsafe items should be taken out of use immediately and either repaired by a competent person or replaced with a safe appliance.

2.2 The electrical installation comprises all the fixed cables or fixed equipment located on the consumer’s side of the electricity meter. In addition to the cables that are usually hidden in the walls and ceilings, it includes accessories (such as sockets, switches and light fittings) and the consumer unit that contains all the fuses, circuit breakers and any residual current devices. Over time, and with the wear and tear of regular use, the installation will start to deteriorate – connections can work loose, equipment can be damaged and wiring can be impacted by maintenance work.

Basic checks of the installation should be carried out regularly during each tenancy to identify issues such as signs of scorching around sockets, broken sockets and switches and electrical equipment overheating. Note that these checks are in addition to those required by the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 that came into force on 1 June 2020. These regulations require, amongst a number of things, the inspection and testing of the electrical installation at regular intervals by a qualified person. The regulations are available on the Government’s website www.legislation.gov.uk

Where problems are found during checks, a professionally competent electrician should be employed to investigate and remedy any defect. Upon completion, they should provide certification that indicates their work complies with the building regulations and other legislation. 

2.3 It is recommended that the checks of the appliances and installation form part of the inspections carried out in accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence.

2.4 During the term of a Selective Licence, the Council may demand a declaration as to the safety of the electrical appliances provided at the licensed property and/or the electrical installation. The declaration(s) must be supplied to the Council for inspection within the timeframe specified in the request. As part of a submission, you may be requested to include a copy of any records kept. In relation to the electrical installation, you may also wish to include a copy of the latest electrical safety condition report (EICR).

2.5 It is recommended that tenants are encouraged to report any problems associated with the electrical appliances provided at the licensed property and the electrical installation. It is also recommended that instruction booklets are provided for appliances made available.

Smoke Alarms

3.1 A working smoke alarm must be installed on each storey of a licensed property on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation.

Regular checks should be made to ensure the alarms remain in place and that they are working. It is recommended that these checks form part of the inspection carried out in accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence.

3.2 The type of alarm, such as hard wired or battery powered, is not stipulated; an informed decision (based on carrying out of a fire risk assessment, see 3.3 below) should be made as to the most appropriate choice of alarm for the property.

3.3 A fire risk assessment requires the following to be looked at;

  1. The characteristics of the building that could increase the risk of harm, for example the number of storeys at the property and the number of final exit doors and their location.
  2. The activities that take place at the licensed property, for example whether there is commercial use on the ground floor.
  3. The probability of a fire starting at the property.
  4. The likelihood that a fire may cause death or injury.

A decision then has to be made as to how to reduce the risk of fire as much as possible and how to help keep your tenants as safe as possible should there be a fire at the property.

The council has produced guidance, Fire Safety Principles for Residential Accommodation, on how to carry out a fire risk assessment and make a property safe. It also contains case studies of fire safety solutions in a range of property types. The fire safety guidance is available to view on our website.

3.4 Each smoke alarm is required to be kept in proper working order. This requires periodic testing to ensure there has not been any major failure together with cleaning (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions) and for some systems, periodic inspection and servicing by a competent person.

Some testing does not require any specialist knowledge and can normally be carried out by the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed as well as the occupier of the licensed property. It is recommended that smoke alarms are tested at least every month with the exception of Grade A systems which should be tested weekly.

Further information about testing and maintenance can be found in the Council’s fire safety guidance referred to above.

3.5 It is good property management practice to provide the occupier with simple instructions on how to test the smoke alarms and how often they should check them. Any instructions should stress the importance of routine testing and should state the action to take in the event of a fire alarm signal; how to avoid false alarms and the need for routine maintenance of the system. It is recommended that tenants are encouraged to report any problems associated with the smoke alarms at the licensed property.

3.6 During the term of a Selective Licence, the Council may demand a declaration as to the condition and positioning of any smoke alarm installed at the licensed property. The declaration must be supplied to the Council for inspection within the timeframe specified in the request. As part of your submission, you may be requested to include a copy of any records kept in relation to any checks carried out.

3.7 The Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, should be aware of the additional fire safety requirements for buildings comprised of two or more domestic premises, e.g. blocks of flats (whether purpose-built or converted from another type of building). The requirements were introduced by the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and place additional duties on Responsible Persons (as defined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Government guidance is available here: Check your fire safety responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (accessible) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

4.1 In accordance with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, a working CO alarm must be installed in any room that is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and that contains a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker, i.e. a gas or oil boiler, open fire, log burning stove etc.

4.2 The regulations do not stipulate the type of CO alarm, such as mains powered (‘hard wired’) or battery powered, that should be installed. An informed decision should be made based on the needs of the property and the tenants. Where battery powered alarms are selected, alarms with ‘sealed for life’ batteries rather than alarms with replaceable batteries are the better option. 

Any CO alarm should comply with British Standard BS EN 50291 and carry a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark. They should be installed, checked and serviced in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.3 Each CO alarm must be kept in proper working order. This requires regular checking to ensure there has not been any major failure together with cleaning in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is recommended that these checks form part of the inspection carried out in accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence.

Where a CO alarm is found to be faulty, it should be repaired or replaced immediately. 

4.4 During the term of a Selective Licence, the Council may demand a declaration as to the condition and positioning of any CO alarm installed at the licensed property. The declaration must be supplied to the Council for inspection within the timeframe specified in the request. As part of your submission, you may be requested to include a copy of any records kept in relation to any checks and servicing carried out.

Furniture and Furnishings

5.1 Any furniture that is made available to the occupiers of the licensed property must be kept in a safe condition and should comply, as appropriate, with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended).

5.2 ‘Furniture’ means furniture of any description that is ordinarily intended for private use either;

  1. within a property, e.g. beds and divans (including the bases, mattresses and headboards of both); sofa beds; futons; settees, armchairs and dining chairs; cushions, floor cushions, beanbags, footstools and pillows; baby equipment and nursery furniture; loose and stretch covers, or
  2. outdoors but it is suitable for use indoors, e.g. upholstered garden furniture; cushions, floor cushions and beanbags.

5.3 All furniture (except mattresses and bed-bases) that includes upholstery, together with any loose or stretch covers, must carry a permanent fire safety label that sets out, amongst a number of things, the words “CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE”. Mattresses and bed bases must carry a label, positioned so that it is easily seen, that indicates it has passed an ignition resistance test. BS 7177:2008+A1:2011 specifies the content, format and design of the label.

5.4 Basic safety checks should be carried out during each tenancy and at the changeover of any tenancy to ensure that fire safety labels are present where required and that no item of furniture (including that that may have been introduced by the occupiers) presents a risk of harm or injury to the user. It is recommended that these form part of the checks carried out in accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence.

5.5 Any furniture that is made available to the occupiers that is identified as being unsafe should be removed from the property as soon as is reasonably practicable and properly disposed of without delay. ‘Proper disposal’ includes for example hiring a skip for the waste and using a licensed carrier to remove and dispose of the waste. In the case of the latter, a waste transfer note should be obtained from the carrier.

Where furniture introduced by the occupiers has been identified as unsafe, the occupiers should be asked to properly dispose of it. It is recommended that evidence of the tenants having been asked to dispose of the item(s) is kept.

5.6 During the term of a Selective Licence, the Council may demand a declaration as to the safety of furniture made available in the house. The declaration must be supplied to the Council for inspection within the timeframe specified in the request. As part of your submission, you may be requested to include a copy of any records kept in relation to any checks carried out.

5.7 In addition to the above, it is good property management practice to ensure that all furniture and furnishings made available are clean and in reasonable condition at the start of a tenancy and that they are fit for purpose. For example, settees and armchairs should not have holed or torn fabric; broken springs or propped up legs, and cushions, pillows and mattresses should be free of deep stains.

Antisocial Behaviour and Illegal Activity

Antisocial Behaviour

6.1 Antisocial behaviour (ASB) refers to the behaviour of a person that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to individuals or to groups, a community or environment. It also includes behaviour that causes a person to fear crime or have concern for public safety, public disorder or public nuisance. Examples of ASB include nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours; street drinking; fireworks misuse and fly-tipping.

6.2 Regardless of Selective Licensing, landlords, letting and managing agents have a responsibility to make sure the persons they have permitted to live in their property do not, whilst in the property, within its curtilage or within the locality, cause annoyance or nuisance to other persons living in it or other persons living, working or visiting the immediate area.

6.3 It is not the intention to make the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, responsible for tenants’ behaviour but to ensure they proactively manage tenancies and take all reasonable and practicable steps to prevent or reduce ASB by persons occupying or visiting the licensed property.

Reasonable and practicable steps may include the following;

  1. Having a clause(s) relating to ASB in all new tenancy agreements. Any clause(s) should allow the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, to take reasonable steps to tackle ASB. It is good property management practice to explain any clause to prospective tenants during any pre-letting interview.
  2. Advising and reminding tenants of their responsibilities relating to the use of the property and the need for good behaviour of both themselves and their visitors and the need to not cause nuisance or ASB to neighbours or other residents in the locality of the licensed property. It is good property management practice to include this in any ‘house book’ or manual.
  3. Co-operating with any investigation carried out by third parties/agencies such as the Council or the Police. This could include for example, providing access to the licensed property or attending a meeting to discuss ASB and help implement any action plan agreed.

6.4 In particular, a written procedure must be in place that indicates how complaints of ASB will be dealt with. The procedure may, for example, include the following;

  1. A statement that all allegations of ASB will be investigated
  2. A commitment to contact the complainant wherever possible (and within a defined timescale, e.g. 3 days) to confirm the details of the complaint and any action that may be taken
  3. The approach to be taken when dealing with any ASB that arises. One approach for example may be a staged approach comprising of an Informal Stage followed by a Formal Stage if necessary. The former could include actions such as telephoning the tenant or visiting them to advise them of the complaint and remind them of their responsibilities and any relevant clauses in their tenancy agreement. ‘Formal’ could then include putting the complaint in writing to the tenant with a warning that further complaints may result in repossession proceedings for breaching the tenancy agreement. If this type of approach is adopted, the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, may wish to acknowledge in their procedure that there may be instances where the first stage is not appropriate. This could be, for example where the ASB is of a serious nature; where it has been brought to the attention of the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, by the Council or the Police and where there is clear evidence to support the complaint. In such cases it would be appropriate to deal with the ASB formally.

6.5 A copy of the procedure must be given to the occupiers on commencement of their tenancy and to the Council on demand.

6.6 Where ASB is sustained, regular or where there is more than one occurrence (even if months apart), all reasonable and practicable steps must be taken to ensure it is effectively dealt with, up to and including eviction. It is recommended that the written procedure makes reference to this.

6.7 In accordance with condition 11.ii., a written record of complaints received relating to ASB must be kept.

Illegal Activity

6.8 An illegal activity is an activity forbidden by law. In relation to a privately rented house, such an activity could include, for example the by-passing of a gas or electricity meter; ‘cuckoo-ing’ (when criminals target a vulnerable existing tenant with a view to using their home for illegal activities) cannabis farming and/or drug dealing; the storage of stolen goods and human trafficking. 

6.9 As with ASB, it is not the intention to make the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, responsible for tenants’ behaviour but to ensure they proactively manage their property and tenancies and take reasonable steps to ensure the property is not used and/or occupied in any manner which is contrary to the tenancy agreement and that no illegal activity is taking place within the property and it’s curtilage.

Reasonable steps include the following;

  1. Having a clause(s) relating to the proper use of the licensed property in all new tenancy agreements. Any clause(s) should allow the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, to take steps following the discovery of any illegal activity taking place at or from the property. It is good property management practice to explain any clause to prospective tenants during any pre-letting interview.
  2. Incorporating checks into the regular property inspections undertaken in accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence. Such checks could include visual inspections of the gas and electricity meters at the licensed property.
  3. Reporting any illegal activity found (or suspected illegal activity) to the relevant organisation/agency e.g. the energy supplier or West Yorkshire Police. Any reference / crime number given should be recorded.
  4. Investigating any allegations/reports received regarding illegal activity at the licensed property.
  5. Co-operating with any investigation carried out by third parties/agencies such as the Council or the Police. This could include for example, providing access to the licensed property, providing information about the tenancy or occupants, attending a meeting to discuss the activity and helping to implement any action plan agreed .

6.10 It is recommended that the written procedure for ASB (as required by condition 11 of the Selective Licence) is extended to include how complaints of illegal activity will be dealt with. 

6.11 The Council acknowledges that the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, cannot deal with all issues of ASB arising from and/or any illegal activity taking place at their licensed property alone. In more serious cases, they will require the help and support of other agencies. The Selective Licensing Team will act as a focal point for those who require more advice or assistance. It will also act as a focal point for tenants and residents who find themselves the victim of ASB. The team works closely with a range of partners in the designated area including the Leeds Antisocial Behaviour Team (LASBT), social services and West Yorkshire Police as well as other agencies and third sector organisations who can offer support.

The Council’s website contains a page relating to ASB and crime. Information is also available on West Yorkshire Police’s website.

Management of the Property

7.1 The internal structure of a licensed property, i.e. walls, floors, ceilings and stairs, together with every window and other means of ventilation, including for example mechanical extractor fans and passive air vents, must be maintained in good repair throughout the term of the licence. Similarly, all fixtures, fittings and appliances made available at the property must be maintained in good repair and working order.

Fixtures are items permanently fitted into the property, bolted to the wall, attached to the plumbing, sealed into the kitchen units etc. They include items such as a boiler, radiators, doors, a bath, shower or toilet.

Fittings are items that are not attached to a property unless by a screw or nail, e.g. paintings and mirrors. They also include things such as carpets and blinds, beds and sofas.

Appliances include such things as a washing machine, refrigerator, television and kettle.

7.2 The exterior of a licensed property, including any boundary wall, gate and yard, must be maintained in reasonable decorative order and in a good state of repair throughout the term of the licence. Paintwork to external walls, timber-framed windows and outbuildings for example should not be worn, flaking or peeling; gates should not be hanging off their hinges; fence panels should not be broken or leaning and boundary walls should not be falling down. Where fencing and gates are present, they should be comprised of materials intended for that purpose. Makeshift fencing panels and gates are unacceptable.

7.3 The exterior must also be kept free from graffiti and fly posters – where found, it should be removed without delay - and the gardens and any outdoor space must be maintained in a reasonably clean and tidy condition. This requires, for example that arrangements are in place for the regular cutting of any grassed areas together with weeding and the trimming or pruning of hedges, trees and shrubs so that they do not become overgrown and/or cause a nuisance to neighbouring properties or overhang the pavement or road.

Information about graffiti removal can be found on the Council’s webpage.

7.4 A licensed property should not be detrimental to the visual appearance of the street nor should it blight the area, i.e. it should not be an eyesore. In addition to the licence condition relating to the upkeep of the exterior of the property, the Council can take action under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

7.5 In accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence, regular inspections of the internal structure and exterior of the licensed property must be undertaken. Guidance on how to comply with condition 15 can be found in section 8 below.

7.6 Tenants should be encouraged to report any issues at the property including disrepair and appliance break-downs.

7.7 You may wish to include a clause in the tenancy agreement that allows you to take action in cases where the occupier has caused damage to the licensed property.

8. Property Inspections

8.1 Regular internal and external inspections of a licensed property must take place during the term of a Selective Licence. This is to not only comply with the requirements of condition 15 of the Selective Licence but to also help the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, comply with other licence conditions such as those relating to electrical safety and smoke / CO alarms.

Regular inspections also provide the opportunity to assess the overall condition of the property, plan for future maintenance, check the property remains free from serious hazards that could affect the health and safety of the tenants and any visitors to the property, to check who is living in the property and that the tenant is meeting their responsibilities including looking after the property.

8.2 Whilst inspections should take place at the start and end of a tenancy, regular inspections must take place throughout each tenancy.

As a minimum, it is expected that inspections of the licensed property take place at 3 month intervals. The Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, may choose to undertake more or less frequent checks depending on, for example the findings of previous inspections, the length of the tenancy and the relationship built up with the tenant as a result. Where less frequent inspections are undertaken, a record should be kept of the reason(s) behind the decision.

8.3 It is good property management practice to advise prospective tenants of the frequency of inspections during any pre-letting interview and to include the programme in any ‘house book’ or manual. It is also recommended that you include a clause outlining the inspection programme in the tenancy agreement.

8.4 In accordance with condition 26 of the Selective Licence and also the requirements of The Housing Act 1988, the tenant must be given at least 24 hour’s notice before an inspection takes place.

8.5 During an inspection, the overall condition of both the interior and exterior of the licensed property should be assessed. Appendix 1 contains a list of things to consider.

A variety of inspection forms/templates to further assist the Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, are available to download from the internet. If you prefer you could create your own form providing it covers the salient points.

It is recommended that photographs are also taken during inspections and that they are date-marked.

8.6 Where repairs or issues are identified during an inspection, or are reported by the tenant, they should be actioned without undue delay. It is good property management practice to carry out repairs in accordance with the timeframes stated in paragraph G2 at the beginning of this document.

8.7 In accordance with condition 15, the findings of every inspection must be recorded.

8.8 During the term of a Selective Licence, the Council may demand a copy of the inspection records kept in accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence. The records must be supplied to the Council for inspection within the timeframe specified in the request. As part of your submission, you may wish to include a copy of any photographs taken in relation to any checks carried out.

Household Waste

9.1 A licensed property must have suitable and sufficient provision for the storage of and collection of waste arising from the occupier(s). This includes having the correct type and number of waste bins.

In Leeds:

  1. Black wheeled bins are for general household waste only. Hazardous, large or heavy items, such as batteries; paint, bricks/rubble and motor vehicle parts should not be placed in a black bin. All waste must be contained within the bin with the lid closed; any waste left on top of or near a black bin will not be collected.
  2. Green wheeled bins are for recyclable materials (paper, cans, cartons, cardboard, clean foil, glass and plastics) only. Recycling waste must be clean and dry before it’s put in the green bin. Any extra recycling will be collected providing it is left in a clear or green plastic bag at the side of the green bin on collection day.
  3. Where provided, brown bins are for garden waste only, e.g. flowers and plants, hedge clippings and grass cuttings. The collection service runs from March to November.

Note that a free service is also available for residents who need medical or clinical waste e.g. bandages and wound dressings, collecting from their home. Requests for a collection can be made via the Council’s website.

9.2 Generally, waste bins should be presented at the kerbside before 7am on the collection day and returned to within the boundary of the property within 24 hours of collection. Some areas of Leeds however - including Harehills - are the subject of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which may include provisions relating to waste. The Inner East PSPO covering Harehills, for example, orders that waste bins must not be situated outside the boundary of a property other than after 6pm the day before collection is due, and returned inside the boundary of the property no later than 9pm on the day of collection. To breach a PSPO is an offence. Information about PSPO’s can be found on the council’s website.

9.3 Waste collections are occasionally missed. This can be due to reasons such as vehicle breakdown, blocked roads or severe weather. Missed collections can be reported to the Council after 5pm on the scheduled collection day via the council’s website or the Leeds Bins app.

9.4 Regular checks should be made throughout the duration of the Selective Licence to ensure the correct waste bins are present at the licensed property and that the tenants are using each of the bins in accordance with the Council’s requirements. It is recommended that these checks form part of the inspection carried out in accordance with condition 15 of the Selective Licence.

9.5 Additional or replacement bins can be obtained by completing a form on the Council’s website Bins, waste and recycling | Leeds.gov.uk or via the Leeds Bins app.

9.6 Waste created during improvements to the licensed property; when the property is being emptied between tenancies or when fixtures, fittings and appliances are replaced, is business or trade waste. Such waste must not be placed into the bins at the licensed property nor can it be taken to a household waste recycling centre. Instead it should be taken to a waste transfer station or given to a licensed waste carrier. In the case of the latter, a waste transfer note should be obtained from the carrier. Alternatively you may wish to hire a skip. 

9.7 When a licensed property is unoccupied, the provisions in 9.1 and 9.2 should be adhered to.

9.8 Waste crime and fly tipping is an increasing problem across Leeds. Working with local communities, the Council is taking a zero tolerance approach to those responsible for the illegal dumping of waste, whether it be as small as black bags of waste being left next to a street litter bin or items being put on the street for the ‘scrap man’ to a whole vehicle load of rubbish being dumped. Those who commit waste crime risk an unlimited fine and up to 5 years imprisonment. It is essential therefore that waste and unwanted items arising from a licensed property is legally disposed of.

Waste crime can be reported via the Council’s website.

9.9 It is good property management practice to provide written information to tenants that includes:

  1. Which day(s) refuse collections take place.
  2. The type of bin to use for general household waste and recyclable materials and the types of waste that can be placed into each bin.
  3. The requirement to contain all waste in a suitable lidded receptacle and within the boundary of the property.
  4. Unless other arrangements have been made, the requirement to present bins at the kerbside for collection and to return them to within the boundary of the property within a specified time frame.
  5. What to do if a bin collection is missed.
  6. The need to be mindful when parking in the street - vehicles should not obstruct the highway.
  7. How to legally dispose of unwanted items, for example by donating to charity, using the free household waste recycling centres, arranging a bulky collection with the Council, using an accredited waste carrier or using a free online selling site.
  8. The action to take should a new bin be needed.
  9. Information about waste crime, including what to do if they see fly-tipping taking place and how to report dumped rubbish. You may wish to include a clause in the tenancy agreement to make sure your tenants dispose of their waste and unwanted items properly using the waste bins provided or by other means, such as bulky waste collection or taking it to a household waste recycling centre.

The Council’s website contains a page relating to bins, waste and recycling. It includes information about bin collection dates, how to report a missed collection and get rid of unwanted household items as well as mechanisms to request a new bin or help putting bins out. The page also includes a link to the Leeds Accredited Waste Carriers Scheme. This helps Leeds residents find someone local, legal and responsible to take away their waste.

10. Tenancy Management

10.1 Within 7 days of the start of any new tenancy (or within 7 days of the grant of a Selective Licence), the occupiers must be provided with a written statement – or contract - of the terms on which they occupy the property. Whilst there is no prescribed format for the statement, it should lay out all of the responsibilities and obligations for each party during the rental agreement. Information such as the payment amount and due date, the expected behaviour of the occupiers and any visitors to the property, if there any allowances for example if smoking or home businesses are allowed in the property together with the contact information for both parties, should be included in the statement.

In most cases, occupiers will have a tenancy agreement, typically an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), though some may have a licence or other form of agreement to occupy the property. 

In accordance with condition 21, a written record must be kept to confirm that the occupiers have been provided with a written statement.

10.2 It is good property management practice to ensure the tenant fully understands the vocabulary and terms used in the statement. If necessary, they should ask for an explanation of any unfamiliar terms before agreeing to the tenancy and signing it and any other documentation.

10.3 Within 7 days of the start of any new tenancy (or within 7 days of the grant of a Selective Licence), the occupiers must also be supplied with the contact details of a person or company/organisation they should report any issues or concerns to. Where appropriate (and if different) they should also be provided with the details of who to contact in an emergency or on an evening or at the weekend.

In accordance with condition 22, a written record must be kept to confirm that the occupiers have been supplied with the required details.

10.4 Prior to entering an agreement, references must be obtained for each person who wishes to live in a licensed property. Obtaining a reference allows landlords and property managers to make sure a prospective tenant is who they say they are, is likely to be reliable and trustworthy and has the right credentials, i.e. the ability to pay rent and that they will look after their property diligently. The process also helps ensure that a landlord has good tenants which not only benefits them but also the neighbourhood.

As a minimum, references should be obtained from the prospective tenant’s current or previous employer and/or their current or previous landlord. Ideally they should be written but if verbal, a full written record of all conversations should be kept. If you are unable to obtain a reference before a tenant moves into the licensed property you must keep a clear record of why this is the case and what attempts you have made to obtain such a reference.

Some companies offer a tenant background check for which a fee is payable. A Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, may wish to consider using this type of service rather than undertake reference checks themselves.

Note that obtaining references for prospective tenants is in addition to the ‘right to rent’ checks that are required to ensure the immigration status of any proposed resident and avoid any fines.

10.5 All references and any background checks must be retained for the duration of the Selective Licence and must be supplied to the Council for inspection upon demand.

10.6 Details of all the occupiers of a licensed property must be supplied to the Council upon demand.

10.7 Where a tenancy is terminated during the term of a Selective Licence, the correct process must be followed. This requires the giving of proper notice to the tenant(s) and the service of the correct documentation. A copy of the documentation must be supplied to the Council for inspection upon demand.

10.8 Normally, a landlord must give at least 2 months’ notice and a tenant cannot be required to leave before any fixed period of a tenancy has come to an end (unless there is a break clause in the tenancy agreement or there are grounds for eviction under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988). Tenants can only be legally removed from a property with a court order.

10.9 It is a crime to harass or try to force tenants out of a property without following correct procedures. Tenants may have the right to claim damages through the courts if the rules are not followed and a Licence Holder or Property Manager may be deemed to not be a Fit or Proper Person if an investigation reveals that the correct process has not been followed.

10.10 The tenant/occupier of a licensed property must be given at least 24 hours’ written notice of a person’s intention to enter the licensed property and the reason(s) why entry is required. The exception to this is when it would not be reasonable to give such notice and access is urgent, for example to deal with an emergency such as a gas or water leak, a defective boiler or an unsafe appliance. It is recommended that, where it is not reasonable to give at least 24 hours’ notice, the Council is informed.

Licence

11.1 Any material change in circumstances that may affect the validity and/or terms of a Selective Licence must be notified to the Council in writing within 14 days of the change. This includes such things as;

  1. A Licence Holder or other person named on a Selective licence changing their address or their name, for instance by marriage or Deed Poll.
  2. A change of manager, management arrangements or property ownership.
  3. The death of a Licence Holder or other person named on a Selective Licence.
  4. A conviction that may affect the Licence Holder or Property Manager’s Fit and Proper Person status.
  5. A change in how the property is occupied, for example a fifth person moving into a shared house may mean that the house becomes subject to mandatory HMO licensing under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004.

11.2 The council can be contacted as follows:

  1. By post using the following details - Selective Licensing Team, Private Sector Housing, Knowsthorpe Gate, Leeds LS9 0NP
  2. By email - ESWselective.licensing@leeds.gov.uk

11.3 In all correspondence, the Selective Licence reference number should be quoted together with the address of the licensed property. These details can be found on the front page of the licence.

11.4 Upon receipt of a notification, the Council will advise you as to what will happen next and whether or not further information is required.

11.5 Dependent upon the circumstances, a licence maybe varied or revoked. Note that there is no fee to vary a Selective Licence. Where a licence is revoked, no part of the licence fee will be refunded.

Appendix 1 - Home checklist for properties subject to a Selective Licence

This basic checklist is designed to be used as a prompt by a Licence Holder or (if appropriate) a person on whom restrictions or obligations under a licence are imposed, during their inspections of a licensed property in accordance with condition 15 their Selective Licence.

The list contains a range of matters that should be checked during the inspection. It’s not designed to identify every possible matter, but to act as a starting point.

As well as enabling the user to comply with the requirements of their Selective Licence (not only condition 15 but also others relating to, for example, electrical safety, household waste, antisocial behaviour and illegal activity) it also allows the user to assess the overall condition of the property, plan for future maintenance, check the property remains free from serious hazards that could affect the health and safety of the tenants and any visitors and to check the tenant is looking after the property and meeting their responsibilities.

A variety of inspection forms to further assist the user are available to download from the internet.

Documentation checks
Is there a current (within 12 months) gas safety certificate? Has a copy been provided to the Selective Licensing Team? Do the tenants have a copy?
Is there a current (within 5 years) electrical inspection certificate?
Are the details on the Selective Licence correct for the property? If anything has changed, inform the Selective Licensing team.
Tenant checks
Who is living in the property? Are they named in the written agreement? Are there too many occupiers/too many beds? Is it overcrowded? This can change at any time and can rapidly affect the property condition and the neighbourhood.
Do you have 3 or more unrelated people living in the property? If yes, the property could be an HMO and you may need a HMO licence. Seek advice from Leeds City Council’s Private Sector Housing team. 
Do the tenants know who to report issues and concerns to? Who do they contact on a weekend or evening?
Have the tenants got all the information they need for the property? Do they know how to check the alarms are working? Do they know how to use all the appliances provided? Do they know the bin dates?
Have there been any complaints of ASB that need raising with the tenants?
Are the tenants using the property in accordance with the written agreement? Are there any signs of any illegal activities at the property? If there are signs, they need reporting.
Internal checks
Are the internal walls and ceilings in good repair? Is there any evidence of damp or mould?
Are the floors in good repair? Are there any changes in level that could cause a trip or fall? Is the flooring/carpet in good repair and in a clean and safe condition, especially on stairs?
Are there any signs of tampering to the gas and electricity meters? Check for loose or unusual wires, whether the numbers are visible, the smell of gas, any unusual messages on the display screen. Any suspected tampering should be reported to the energy provider.
Are gas and electrical appliances in a safe condition? 
Is the consumer unit (fuse board) in a good condition?
Are electrical switches and sockets safe and in a good condition? Check for damage and signs of scorching. 
Is there a smoke alarm on every floor? Have you tested the alarms and checked any battery?
Is there a carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance e.g. gas boiler, open fire and log burning stove? Have you tested the alarm(s)?
Are there safety labels to soft furniture/furnishings? Check beds, settees, dining chairs etc.
Are windows and other means of ventilation in good repair and condition? Do windows open and close and seal and lock as intended?
Do the internal doors open, close and latch to? Check for any damage, loose screws, missing door furniture.
Are all fixtures in good repair and working order? Fixtures are items permanently fitted into the property, bolted to the wall, attached to the plumbing, sealed into the kitchen units etc. They include items such as a boiler, radiators, doors, a bath, shower or toilet.
Are all fittings in good repair and working order? Fittings are items that are attached to a property by a screw or nail, e.g. paintings, mirrors, kitchen units and curtain rails/poles. They also include things such as carpets, window blinds, beds and sofas.
Are all appliances safe, in good repair and working order? Appliances include such things as a washing machine, refrigerator, television and kettle. Do any electrical appliances overheat?
Is there adequate heating to maintain a reasonable temperature?
Is there a handrail on any staircase, internal or external, with more than 3 steps? To the basement or cellar too? Have they been removed and not put back?
On the stairs (or any external balcony, lightwell or similar), are there any large gaps or guarding missing that means somebody could fall?
In the bathroom, is there any evidence of leaks from the sink, shower, bath or toilet? Is the sealant and tiling in good condition and doing its job? Are all the fittings in good order and repair?
Do the toilets flush/drain?
Do taps open and close correctly? Is there running hot and cold water?
Is the property clean? Is waste removed? Is there any evidence of pests, bugs, cockroaches etc?
External checks
Is the outside of the property (walls, windows, window cills, lintels, door) in reasonable decorative order and in a good state of repair?
Is the boundary wall, any gate and fencing in reasonable decorative order and in a good state of repair? If there’s fencing, what is it made of? Makeshift gates and fences should be removed.
Outside the property, are the walls, chimney and roof in a reasonable, safe, water-tight condition? Are there any signs of dampness, such as moss or vegetation growing?
Outside the property, are there any fly posters or graffiti on the walls (house walls and boundary wall)?
Are external drains, guttering and gullies clear, free of leaves or vegetation and working as they should?
Is the external door solid and secure? Does it have a suitable lock?
Is the yard or garden maintained and reasonably clean and tidy? Is vegetation kept low including trees/hedges?
Are the correct bins there, are they being used? Is there any waste in the yard/garden to be removed?

If you find issues in the property and need help, please seek advice from your local accreditation scheme, landlord association, competent managing agent or the Selective Licensing Team.