Selective licensing in Newcastle upon Tyne

What the designation says

Newcastle City Council operates MULTIPLE area-specific Selective Licensing schemes — Newcastle has SEVEN selective licensing designations across the city. The schemes are renewed and amended on rolling 5-year cycles. (A) The 2021-2026 Came into force on 1 October 2021 and runs until 30 September 2026. Covers parts of various wards across Newcastle. (B) The 2025-2030 Came into force on 5 April 2025 and runs until 5 April 2030. Partially covers the wards of Arthur's Hill, Benwell & Scotswood, Blakelaw, Elswick, Kenton, Lemington, West Fenham, and Wingrove — plus the HHRS area (Howdene Road, part of Howlett Hall Road, Ravenburn Gardens and part of Swinley Gardens) in Benwell. Also includes new areas in Lemington, Denton Court and Columbia Grange, plus amended schemes in Cowgate and the West End . The selective licensing scheme covers approximately 10% of private rented homes in Newcastle — around 2,827 properties across the seven designation areas. Newcastle introduced selective licensing to address significant issues in areas where over 20% of housing is privately rented and where there are high levels of anti-social behaviour, crime, and poor housing conditions. All privately rented properties within the designated areas must be licensed unless exempt — including single-family lets, single-occupant lets, couples and families. Use the Newcastle City Council interactive map at new.newcastle.gov.uk to check whether a specific property is in a designated area. Properties holding Mandatory or Additional HMO licences are exempt from selective licensing. Statutory exemptions under the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 also apply. Two-part structure (Part 1 application + Part 2 issuance). Updated fees apply from June 2025. Property Accreditation scheme members may receive discounts. Verify current fees at new.newcastle.gov.uk/property-licensing-schemes-newcastle/fees-and-discounts before applying. Health and safety, fire precautions, gas safety, electrical safety, structural condition, anti-social behaviour management, written tenancy agreements, prompt response to disrepair. The licence holder must be a fit and proper person. Operating an unlicensed property in a designated area is a criminal offence. Civil financial penalty up to £30,000 per offence. Unlimited fine on conviction. Rent Repayment Orders for up to 12 months' rent (24 months under Renters' Rights Act 2025). Section 21 invalid. 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 →