Letting in Liverpool: the rules and the numbers
What applies to rented homes in Liverpool, in one place: the licensing schemes and where they run, planning limits on house shares, what housing allowance pays, typical rents, and how local homes rate on energy. Every figure shows its source and date. For one property, enter its address above.
Last checked: 26 September 2026
Licences
- Selective licensing - every rented home in parts of the council's area needs a licence from the council, until 31 March 2027.
- House shares and planning - turning a home in parts of the council's area into a house share for 3 to 6 people from more than one household needs planning permission first. The council calls this an Article 4 direction.
Anywhere in England, a house share of 5 or more people from more than one household needs a licence from the council - an HMO licence.
Source: Liverpool City Council, checked 26 September 2026
Housing allowance
Housing allowance is the most that benefits pay towards a tenant's rent each month.
- In the Greater Liverpool area: £344.36 for a room in a house share, £500.00 for a 1-bedroom home, £595.00 for a 2-bedroom home, £650.00 for a 3-bedroom home, £875.00 for a 4-bedroom home.
Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Local Housing Allowance rates from 1 April 2026
Rents
The average rent here is £913 a month, up 5.6% on a year before.
- 1 bedroom: £686 a month
- 2 bedrooms: £837 a month
- 3 bedrooms: £963 a month
- 4 or more bedrooms: £1,293 a month
Source: Office for National Statistics private rents, August 2026 (provisional - it may still be revised)
Energy ratings
60% of local homes with an energy certificate are rated C or better.
Source: Office for National Statistics, energy certificates up to March 2025