Newcastle upon Tyne Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne currently operates selective licensing and additional licensing in 26 wards; mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere. A new selective licensing designation (3 wards) launches on 30 September 2026. 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?
Newcastle upon Tyne Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Newcastle upon Tyne? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?
Mandatory licensing in Newcastle upon Tyne
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Newcastle upon Tyne (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 Newcastle upon Tyne?
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.
Newcastle upon Tyne operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Newcastle upon Tyne?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Newcastle upon Tyne operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below. A further selective scheme is due to begin on 30 September 2026.
Additional licensing: 5 April 2025 to 5 April 2030 — covering Arthur’s Hill, Benwell & Scotswood, Blakelaw, Byker, Callerton & Throckley, Castle, Chapel, Dene & South Gosforth, Denton & Westerhope, Elswick, Fawdon & West Gosforth, Gosforth, Heaton, Kenton, Kingston Park South & Newbiggin Hall, Lemington, Manor Park, Monument, North Jesmond, Ouseburn, Parklands, South Jesmond, Walker, Walkergate, West Fenham and Wingrove.
Selective licensing: 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2026 — covering Benwell & Scotswood, Byker and Elswick.
Selective licensing: 5 April 2025 to 5 April 2030 — covering Arthur’s Hill, Benwell & Scotswood, Blakelaw, Elswick, Kenton, Lemington, West Fenham and Wingrove.
Selective licensing: 30 September 2026 to 29 September 2031 — covering Benwell & Scotswood, Byker and Elswick.
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 Newcastle upon Tyne Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Newcastle City Council sets the following licence fees (Fees & Charges, June 2025):
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO | £1,100 total — Part A (application) £350 + Part B (enforcement) £750. Renewal £1,000. |
| Additional HMO | £1,100 total (Part A £350 + Part B £750). |
| Selective | £1,000 total — Part A £300 + Part B £700. |
Discounts: £100 off for accreditation (mandatory HMO only), £50 off for a valid new application within one month of purchase, and £100 off for EPC A/B/C. Fees are set by the council and can change — check Newcastle City Council’s fees schedule for the latest figures.
We Handle Your Newcastle upon Tyne Applications End-to-End
TRUSTED BY LEADING AGENTS & LANDLORDS ACROSS THE UK
Managing Across Multiple Boroughs?
Reduce risk by swapping manual tracking for our licensing compliance platform Kamma Suite.
4 licensing schemes. Know exactly what you need.
Newcastle upon Tyne Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Newcastle upon Tyne operate?
Newcastle upon Tyne operates selective and additional licensing (1 October 2021 to 30 September 2026), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Newcastle upon Tyne property licence?
You can apply through Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, commonly known as Newcastle, is a vibrant city in the northeast of England, famous for its rich industrial heritage, striking architecture, and lively cultural scene. Situated along the River Tyne, the city is known for landmarks such as the iconic Tyne Bridge and the historic Newcastle Castle. As a hub for education, business, and innovation, Newcastle offers a blend of modern amenities and historic charm. With its friendly atmosphere, dynamic nightlife, and close proximity to beautiful countryside, the city is a major destination in the North of England.
Licensing Enforcement in Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne 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.
