Private landlords

Anyone can apply for a property licence, but it must be the most appropriate person. In most cases, this will be the owner or a manager acting on the owner’s behalf.

The licence holder should usually be:

• the landlord,
• the person receiving the rent,
• let and end tenancies 
• access all parts of the premises as much as the owner would

If someone other than the licence holder manages the property, it must be clear what they’re responsible for. Otherwise, we will assume the licence holder is responsible for all licence conditions.

We’ll only consider an application for non-UK residents if the managing agent is based in the UK. The agent has to agree to the licence conditions.

We only accept application from limited companies with a UK registered office, and the details of a listed director who will act as the licence holder.

If you own several rented properties in Thurrock, you’ll need to apply for each one. A licence cannot be transferred to another person.

Suitability to hold a licence

To get a property licence, you must be a ‘fit and proper’ person.

In making our decision, we will consider any evidence that the person applying for a licence has:

• committed any offence involving fraud or other dishonesty, violence, drugs and certain sexual offence
• illegally discriminated on the ground of sex, colour, race, ethnic or national origins or disability in connection with any business
• broken any housing or landlord and tenant law

You must also be able to show that satisfactory management and financial arrangements are in place for each rented property.

We may refuse your application for a licence if you fail to meet the fit and proper person test. 

Applying for a property licence

Apply now and save yourself £600 

To apply for a licence, visit this page XXXXXX  We are encouraging applications from 1 November 2025 to go live in the start date of January 5 2026.

If you own several rented properties in Thurrock, you’ll need to apply for each one. A licence cannot be transferred to another person.
 

When you apply – documents you need

Before you start your application, you will need to provide certain information about the property and upload copies of required certificates. You will not be able to complete your application without these documents.
Photos or scanned copies are acceptable, as long as the information is clear.

You will need:

What Happens Next?

•  We will check the proposed licence holder and any property manager to make sure they meet our fit and proper person requirements. This helps us decide on the application.
•  We will ask for the latest gas and electrical safety certificates and review any other relevant documents.
•  Before making a final decision, we will inform the landlord or managing agent whether we plan to grant or refuse the licence.
•  We will send details to all interested parties (for example, mortgage lenders), who will have 14 working days to respond. Their feedback will be considered in the final decision.
•  Once the decision is made, we will formally notify the applicant and all interested parties.
•  If approved, the licence is usually valid for 5 years.
•  We will carry out regular checks to make sure the property is being properly managed and that any required work has been completed.
 

If you have any problems applying, contact us at: selectivelicensing@thurrock.gov.uk