Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN)
A Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN) can give a landlord a short-term exemption from the requirement to have a Selective Licence, usually for up to three months. TENs are designed to give landlords a brief period to fix issues that make their property licensable.
A TEN is not a substitute for a licence. If your property needs a licence, you should apply for one.
Apply for a temporary exemption notice
The Council may grant a temporary exemption if the landlord notifies us of their plans to make the property no longer licensable and can show evidence that these steps will be completed within three months.
Examples of situations that may qualify for a TEN include:
• The property is for sale and will be empty when sold.
• The owner intends to live in the property themselves as a single home.
• The property is being converted to a different use (not residential).
It is a criminal offence to rent a property that requires a licence without applying for one.
Possible consequences include:
• Unlimited fines if convicted for failing to apply.
• Landlords without a licence cannot use the Section 21 possession procedure to regain the property without a court hearing.
• Tenants may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order, which could require landlords to repay up to 12 months’ rent for renting an unlicensed property.
Applying for a Temporary Exemption (TEN)
The Council will consider TEN applications individually and will inform the applicant of its decision in writing. Only the owner or person in control of the property can apply for a temporary exemption.
To apply, complete the Temporary Exemption form. You must explain clearly why you are requesting a temporary exemption and outline the steps you will take to make the property no longer licensable.
You should also attach any supporting evidence, such as:
• Court correspondence
• A copy of a death certificate
• Confirmation of sale
In exceptional cases, a temporary exemption can be extended for up to an additional three months. To do this, you must apply before the current exemption expires and provide further evidence for the Council to consider.