Selective licensing in Newcastle upon Tyne
Yes. Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?
Yes. Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne does the scheme cover?
Specific wards including parts of Byker, Walker, Walkergate, and other designated areas. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Newcastle upon Tyne's scheme end?
The designation runs until 30 September 2026, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£900. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Newcastle upon Tyne before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part 1 | £250 |
| Part 2 | £650 |
| Total | £900 |
| Each dwelling | £650 |
- Discounts: £100 accreditation, £100 EPC C+, £50 within one month of purchase
Newcastle upon Tyne, read 31 August 2026
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 £40,000 per offence. Unlimited fine on conviction. Rent Repayment Orders for up to two years' rent for offences on or after 1 May 2026 (12 months before that date). Public Protection and Neighbourhoods, 7th Floor, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QH. Telephone 0191 211 5595. Email propertylicensing@newcastle.gov.uk. UPDATE 17 August 2026: the scheme does not lapse on 30 September 2026. A replacement designation, The Newcastle City Council Designation of an Area for Selective Licensing 2026, was made on 24 February 2026 under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 and comes into force on 30 September 2026, running to 29 September 2031. It covers the Greater High Cross area and the Byker area, street by street. Coverage is therefore continuous: the 2021 designation ends the same day the 2026 designation begins. Section 21 was abolished on 1 May 2026; possession now runs through the amended section 8 grounds. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne before letting.