Selective licensing in Middlesbrough
Yes. Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough?
Yes. Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough does the scheme cover?
{"Newport ward (Scheme 1)","Newport ward (Scheme 2/extension)","North Ormesby ward"}. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Middlesbrough's scheme end?
The designation runs until 22 July 2029, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£20. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Middlesbrough before budgeting.
One payment.
| Each property | £836 |
Middlesbrough, read 30 August 2026
What the designation says
Middlesbrough Council operates THREE concurrent selective licensing schemes across the Newport and North Ormesby wards. All confirmed via Middlesbrough Council's selective landlord licensing page and Kamma's Middlesbrough guide: (1) Operative 3 July 2023 to 2 July 2028. Designation made 2023, replacing earlier Newport scheme. Fee £861. (2) NEWPORT WARD - SCHEME 2 (Newport extension): Launched 23 July 2024 to 22 July 2029. This new scheme replaces another scheme that was terminated in June 2024 and covers Newport streets not previously covered by the Newport 1 designation. Fee £998. (3) Operative 14 June 2021 to 13 June 2026 (5-year scheme). Fee £845. North Ormesby was Middlesbrough's original selective licensing area; the council ran an earlier scheme in North Ormesby with documented benefits (2020 evaluation). All private landlords renting properties in the designated areas need a licence, regardless of HMO status. Small HMOs (3-4 occupants from more than one household) within the selective area are also licensed under selective licensing rather than a separate additional scheme. Apply via Middlesbrough Council website. The North Ormesby scheme expires 13 June 2026 and should be monitored for renewal/redesignation.
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 Middlesbrough before letting.