Selective licensing in Northumberland
Yes. Northumberland 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 Northumberland?
Yes. Northumberland 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 Northumberland does the scheme cover?
Croft Ward, Blyth: bounded by and including Hodgsons Road (B1329) to the north, Waterloo Road / Bridge Street (B1328) to the south, Regent Street (B1329) to the east and Renwick Road (A193) to the west. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Northumberland's scheme end?
The designation runs until 13 October 2029, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£650 from 14. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Northumberland before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Part 1 | £200 |
| Part 2 | £450 |
| Total | £650 |
- Late application £250; bulk discount £25 after the third property; change of licence holder £80
Northumberland, read 25 August 2026
What the designation says
Confirmed live scheme (first-party research 19 Aug 2026). The council's private landlords and tenants page states "All private rented properties within a selective licensing area require a licence unless otherwise exempt. The licensing scheme came into effect on 14 October 2024. The scheme is due to end on the 13 October 2029. The designation applies to the Croft Ward area of Blyth, bounded by and including Hodgsons Road (B1329) to the north; Waterloo Road/Bridge Street (B1328) to the south; Regent Street (B1329) to the east; and Renwick Road (A193) to the west." The sealed designation instrument is published on the council domain (Sealed-Designation-of-selective-licensing-area-Croft-Ward-Blyth-1_1.pdf). A consultation on the proposal ran in 2023 via northumberland.moderngov.co.uk. Council page last updated 18 August 2026. Distinct from North Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
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 Northumberland before letting.