Selective licensing in Gateshead
Yes. Gateshead operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Common questions
Do I need a selective licence in Gateshead?
Yes. Gateshead operates a selective licensing scheme. Letting a covered property without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £40,000 and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent.
Which areas of Gateshead does the scheme cover?
Designated 18 February 2025, in two phases. Phase 1 from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2030: Bensham North and Windmill Hills, Bensham Central and West, The Avenues, Bensham South and Avenues North, Bensham West and Avenues, Beacon Lough East, Birtley and Birtley Industrial, Chopwell North. Phase 2 from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030: North Felling and Felling Shore Industrial, Derwentwater East, Derwentwater West and Racecourse Estate, Swalwell North and Metro Centre, Kelvin Grove, Felling Falla Park, Sunderland Road, Shipcote. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Gateshead's scheme end?
The designation runs until 30 September 2030, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£850. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Gateshead before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part A | £510 |
| Part B | £340 |
| Total | £850 |
| Each property | £10 |
Gateshead, read 28 August 2026
What the designation says
Gateshead operates selective licensing in two phases, both made under the same designation. Phase 1 came into force on 1 June 2025 and ceases to have effect on 31 May 2030, covering Bensham North and Windmill Hills, Bensham Central and West, The Avenues, Bensham South and Avenues North, Bensham West and Avenues, Beacon Lough East, Birtley and Birtley Industrial, and Chopwell North. Phase 2 came into force on 1 October 2025 and ceases on 30 September 2030, covering North Felling and Felling Shore Industrial, Derwentwater East, Derwentwater West and Racecourse Estate, Swalwell North and Metro Centre, Kelvin Grove, Felling Falla Park, Sunderland Road and Shipcote. Either phase may end earlier if the council revokes the designation under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004. Within a designated neighbourhood every privately rented home needs a licence regardless of how many people occupy it, so a landlord should check which phase, if any, covers a specific address. Letting without a required licence is a criminal offence carrying a civil penalty of up to £40,000 or prosecution, and exposes the landlord to a rent repayment order. The £40,000 ceiling applies to offences committed on or after 1 May 2026; the £30,000 ceiling still applies to offences committed before that date.
What this means for a landlord
A licence must be in place before the property is let, not applied for afterwards. Operating unlicensed in a designated area is a criminal offence: a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence and a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent. Both maxima apply to conduct on or after 1 May 2026; before that date they were £30,000 and twelve months. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026 and possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.
Information tool, not legal advice. Confirm the position with Gateshead before letting.