Some tenancies and licences to occupy a property are exempt from selective licensing. You can find these under the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006.
Temporary exemptions
You can apply for a temporary exemption notice if steps are being taken to exempt the property from requiring a licence under part 2 or 3 of the Housing Act 2004. Potentially eligible circumstances include:
- the property is in the process of being sold
- the owner has given the tenants notice and the property will be sold
- the owner of the property is moving into the property
- the property is in the process of being converted into a commercial premise
A temporary exemption notice will last for 3 months, and only the owner or person in control of the property can make an application. A notice can be renewed for an extra 3 months in exceptional circumstances. Should the property still require a licence after the notice expires, you must apply immediately.