Northern Ireland landlord licensing

Published · Updated

Northern Ireland doesn't use council-by-council selective licensing like England. Instead, the official position is: Landlord Registration Scheme. The fees below are as published on the official site, last checked on 12 October 2026.

Selective licensing
Statusn/a - Landlord Registration Scheme
Area / wardsAll NI
StartCheck with the council
EndCheck with the council
Additional HMO licensing
Statusn/a
Area / wardsCheck with the council
StartCheck with the council
EndCheck with the council
Mandatory HMO licensingCheck with the council
Fees as stated by the official source£70 online / £80 paper; one fee covers all properties; valid 3 years; no fee if registered under NI HMO registration scheme
Official sourcehttps://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/landlord-registration-scheme
Last checked12 October 2026

What this means for landlords

Registration is national, so the same rules apply wherever in Northern Ireland your property is. Check the official site for the current fees and what counts as a licence versus registration.

Fees: £70 online / £80 paper; one fee covers all properties; valid 3 years; no fee if registered under NI HMO registration scheme

Northern Ireland licensing FAQs

Do I need a property licence to rent out a home in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland uses Landlord Registration Scheme rather than council selective licensing. Check the official source for your situation.

How much is a landlord licence in Northern Ireland?

As stated on the official source: £70 online / £80 paper; one fee covers all properties; valid 3 years; no fee if registered under NI HMO registration scheme.

When was this page last checked?

We last checked the official source on 12 October 2026. Schemes change, so confirm with the council before you apply.

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General information, not legal advice. Licensing schemes change, so confirm with the council before you let or apply.