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Property Licensing Guide for North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire currently operates selective licensing; 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?
North Yorkshire Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in North Yorkshire? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire?
Mandatory licensing in North Yorkshire
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across North Yorkshire (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 North Yorkshire?
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.
North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
North Yorkshire operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2027 — covering Weaponness & Ramshill.
Selective licensing: 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2029 — covering Castle, Falsgrave & Stepney and Northstead.
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 North Yorkshire Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
North Yorkshire Council operates selective licensing in Scarborough (Scarborough South designation):
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Selective | £550 per unit — £180 non-refundable on application + £370 on approval. Multiple units: £550 for the first flat + £100 per additional flat. |
Discounts: £50 for accredited-body/professional membership and £50 for multiple applications after the first. The scheme runs to 30 April 2027. Fees are set by the council and can change — check North Yorkshire Council’s selective licensing page for the latest figures.
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North Yorkshire Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does North Yorkshire operate?
North Yorkshire operates selective licensing (1 May 2022 to 30 April 2027), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a North Yorkshire property licence?
You can apply through North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire, located in northern England, is part of the historic county of Yorkshire and comprises seven districts: Craven, Hambleton, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Selby, and the boroughs of Harrogate and Scarborough. The county seat is in Northallerton. The geographic county also includes the unitary authorities of Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, York, and part of Stockton-on-Tees south of the River Tees. North Yorkshire features the Pennines in the west, reaching elevations over 2,200 feet, and the North York Moors and Cleveland Hills in the east, with the Vale of York’s lowlands in between. The dramatic escarpment of the Cleveland Hills leads to the North Sea coast and the Tees valley.
Licensing Enforcement in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire 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.
