Stockton-on-Tees Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees currently operates selective licensing in 4 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. Last checked: 3 July 2026.
This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in this area and how to apply for a licence.
New to this? Read our overview: What is selective licensing?
Stockton-on-Tees Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Stockton-on-Tees? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Stockton-on-Tees and how to apply for a licence.
Is manual compliance causing a headache for your agency? At Kamma, we specialise in automating licensing compliance for agents across the UK. If you need any assistance in getting your property portfolio compliant, find out how we can help letting agents here.
What are the licensing requirements for Stockton-on-Tees?
Mandatory licensing in Stockton-on-Tees
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Stockton-on-Tees (and all of England) to larger HMOs — properties occupied by five or more people forming more than one household, including:
- Shared houses and flats occupied by students and young professionals.
- Properties converted into bedsits with some shared facilities.
- Properties converted into a mix of self-contained and non-self-contained accommodation.
Do I need an additional property licence in Stockton-on-Tees?
Additional licensing requires smaller HMOs in a designated area to be licensed — a privately rented property with three or more people forming more than one household.
Stockton-on-Tees does not currently operate an additional HMO licensing scheme; larger HMOs are covered by the national mandatory HMO scheme.
Do I need a selective licence in Stockton-on-Tees?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Stockton-on-Tees operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2029 — covering Mandale & Victoria, Newtown, Ropner and Stockton Town Centre.
Mandatory HMO licensing: in force since 2006 for HMOs of five or more people forming more than one household.
How do I apply for a licence?
You can apply for a licence via Stockton-on-Tees Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Stockton-on-Tees Council’s property licensing fees page for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Stockton-on-Tees Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Stockton-on-Tees operate?
Stockton-on-Tees operates selective licensing (1 November 2024 to 31 October 2029), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Stockton-on-Tees need a licence?
It depends on the scheme and your property. Where selective licensing applies, most privately rented homes need a licence; HMOs fall under mandatory or additional licensing depending on size and occupancy.What if my property doesn't have a licence?
Operating an unlicensed property that requires a licence can bring civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, rent repayment orders of up to 24 months, and being unable to serve a Section 21 notice. Letting agents can be held jointly liable.Can letting agents apply on behalf of landlords?
Yes. Letting agents can apply for property licences on behalf of landlords in Stockton-on-Tees, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Stockton-on-Tees property licence?
You can apply through Stockton-on-Tees Council’s website (licensing pages), or use a managed service such as Kamma.
How long does an application take?
Processing times vary with the council’s workload and the quality of the application. A complete, correctly prepared application is processed fastest.
Why did Stockton-on-Tees introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Stockton-on-Tees introduce additional licensing?
Additional HMO licensing addresses overcrowding, disrepair and management standards in smaller HMOs not covered by the national mandatory scheme.
What are the conditions to obtain an HMO licence in Stockton-on-Tees?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees is a town and unitary authority in northeastern England, spanning both sides of the River Tees. The northern section is part of County Durham, while the southern section belongs to North Yorkshire. Historically a market town, Stockton gained significance as a port with a stone bridge built in 1769 and the world’s first passenger railway, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, in 1825. Today, it includes both agriculture and industry, with petrochemical plants in Billingham, ironworks in Stockton, and engineering works in Thornaby. Heavy industry has declined, giving way to light industry and services. The area covers 79 square miles with a population of 191,610 in 2011.
Licensing Enforcement in Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees Council enforces property licensing across its schemes. Letting a property without the required licence risks prosecution, civil penalties of up to £40,000 per property, and rent repayment orders of up to 24 months — with letting agents jointly liable alongside landlords.
