Additional HMO licensing in Newcastle upon Tyne

What the designation says

Newcastle City Council operates a CITYWIDE Additional HMO Licensing Scheme. The current scheme is the SECOND designation — the first scheme came into force on 6 April 2020, ran for 5 years until 5 April 2025. The renewed scheme is The Newcastle City Council Designation of an Area for Additional Licensing 2025, made on 22 October 2024, which came into force on 5 April 2025 and runs until 5 April 2030, or earlier if the council revokes it under section 60 of the Housing Act 2004 . Designation made under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004. Falls under the Housing Act 2004: Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation and Selective Licensing of Other Residential Accommodation (England) General Approval 2015. The administrative area of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne — borough wide. From 5 April 2025 all private landlords who own property in the area or any person who controls or manages property in the area are required to apply for a licence for any HMO. Any privately-rented property occupied by 3 or more people in 2 or more households with shared basic amenities (such as kitchens and bathrooms). All HMOs in Newcastle must have an appropriate licence — the citywide additional scheme captures small HMOs (3-4 persons) that fall outside Mandatory HMO Licensing. Mandatory HMO licensing (5+ persons) continues to apply separately. Newcastle introduced additional licensing to address the poor management and conditions of smaller HMOs (particularly two-, three- and four-bedroom properties) where evidence showed persistent issues with anti-social behaviour and substandard living conditions . Updated fees and charges apply from June 2025. Discount of £100 on new licence application for landlords whose mandatory HMO property is already accredited through the Property Accreditation scheme. Two-part fee structure (Part 1 processing/administration + Part 2 issuance). The Part 1 fee is NOT REFUNDABLE if the application is withdrawn or refused after submission. Verify current fees on the Newcastle City Council Fees and Discounts page at new.newcastle.gov.uk/property-licensing-schemes-newcastle/fees-and-discounts before applying. Comprehensive — including fire safety, gas safety (annual certificate), electrical safety (5-year EICR), structural condition, freedom from Category 1 hazards, management arrangements, anti-social behaviour management, fit and proper person test for the licence holder, written tenancy agreements. Newcastle inspects licensed properties to verify compliance with conditions. Failure to licence a property is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution and an unlimited fine OR the imposition of a civil financial penalty up to £30,000 per offence. Rent Repayment Orders for up to 12 months' rent (24 months under the Renters' Rights Act 2025). Section 21 invalid where unlicensed; from 1 May 2026 the no-fault possession grounds under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 are similarly unavailable. Banning Orders for repeat offenders. Public Protection and Neighbourhoods, 7th Floor, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QH. Telephone 0191 211 5595. Email propertylicensing@newcastle.gov.uk.

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 £30,000 per offence, a rent repayment order of up to twelve months' rent, and a section 21 notice that cannot be served while the property is unlicensed. Mandatory HMO licensing applies separately and everywhere, wherever a property is let to five or more people forming two or more households.

Newcastle upon Tyne's own licensing page →