Consultation on Proposed Property Licensing Schemes in Norwich

Norwich City Council is seeking views on proposals to introduce new property licensing schemes within parts of the private rented sector.

The Council is consulting on:

• A proposed citywide Additional Licensing Scheme for certain Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs); and
• A proposed Selective Licensing Scheme covering privately rented properties in the wards of Nelson, Mile Cross, Sewell and Town Close.

The private rented sector plays an important role in meeting housing need across Norwich. The Council's evidence suggests that some privately rented properties continue to experience poor housing conditions, inadequate management standards and issues that can affect both tenants and local communities.

Property licensing is one of a number of tools available to local authorities to help improve housing standards and management within the private rented sector.

No decision has been made regarding whether either scheme should be introduced. The purpose of this consultation is to seek the views of landlords, tenants, residents, businesses and other interested parties before any future decision is considered.

To help consultees understand the proposals and provide an informed response, the Council has prepared a range of supporting documents that explain the evidence, proposed licensing schemes, draft licence conditions, proposed fees, designation boundaries and the wider rationale for consulting on discretionary licensing.

Before you begin the survey, please read or download the consultation documents listed below. These documents explain the evidence, proposals, fees, conditions and reasons for the proposed licensing schemes. Reading them will help you provide informed feedback.

Consultation documents:

• Consultation on Proposed Property Licensing Schemes in Norwich - Summary Document
• Appendix 1 - Summary of Evidence for Consultation October 2026
• Appendix 2 – MetaStreet Tenure Intelligence Report (full evidence pack)
• Appendix 3 - Norwich City Council PSH Case Studies
• Appendix 4 - Additional Licensing Scheme - Draft Licence Conditions
• Appendix 5 - Selective Licensing Scheme - Draft Licence Conditions
• Appendix 6 - Proposed Additional Licensing Boundaries
• Appendix 7 - Proposed Selective Licensing Boundaries
• Appendix 8 - Proposed Discretionary Licensing Fees for Consultation
• Appendix 9 - Discretionary Property Licensing FAQs

We encourage you to review the consultation documents, consider the evidence and proposals, and share your views by completing the consultation questionnaire. The consultation documents are intended to help ensure that views are informed by the available evidence and the details of the proposals being considered.

The consultation will be open from Monday 2 November 2026 until Sunday 24 January 2026.