Selective licensing in Stockton-on-Tees
Yes. Stockton-on-Tees 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 Stockton-on-Tees?
Yes. Stockton-on-Tees 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 Stockton-on-Tees does the scheme cover?
Central Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown. Approved by Cabinet 16 May 2024. Confirm a specific address against the council's own designation map before applying.
When does Stockton-on-Tees's scheme end?
The designation runs until 31 October 2029, unless the council revokes it earlier under section 84 of the Housing Act 2004.
What does the licence cost?
£95 per property for each of the five years. Councils commonly discount for accredited landlords and early applications; confirm the current figure with Stockton-on-Tees before budgeting.
Paid in two parts — one on application, the balance before the licence is issued.
| Each property | £178 |
| Each property | £50 |
| Each property | £75 |
- Late application: £278 plus £95 per year for five years, giving £753
Stockton-on-Tees — stockton.gov.uk, read 19 Aug 2026
What the designation says
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council operates a selective licensing scheme covering Central Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown. Cabinet approved it on 16 May 2024 and it came into force on 1 November 2024, running for five years. Every privately rented property inside a designated area needs its own licence, so a landlord with several properties in the areas needs one for each. The council publishes street-level maps for each of the three areas, so check the specific address rather than the ward name. Letting a licensable property without a licence is a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine on prosecution, or a civil penalty of up to £40,000 as an alternative, and the same penalties apply per breach of a licence condition. A tenant may also seek a rent repayment order of up to two years' rent for offences on or after 1 May 2026 (12 months before that date). 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 Stockton-on-Tees before letting.