Property Licensing Guide for Middlesbrough

Got questions about licensing schemes in Middlesbrough? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Middlesbrough 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.

Mandatory licensing is required in Middlesbrough for all HMO properties made up of 5 or more people from two different households. This includes: 

• 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.

 

Selective licensing is required for all privately rented properties in a designated area, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed. 

Middlesbrough runs three selective licensing schemes across Newport and North Ormesby wards:

• Newport Ward: One launching on 23/07/24, running until 22/07/29. This scheme has been put in place to replace a recently terminated scheme in June. There is also another concurrent Newport scheme running from 03/07/23 to 02/07/28.
• North Ormesby Ward: Running from 14/06/21 to 13/06/26.

There are currently no additional licensing schemes running in Middlesbrough. Additional licensing requires all HMO’s with 3 or more people from more than one household to obtain a property licence.

Middlesbrough Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licensing application service for Middlesbrough. Get in touch with us here to find out more.

Mandatory Licence: £755.42, plus £24.98 for each additional bedroom.

Selective Licence: Varies by scheme; £803 for the first Newport scheme, £998 for the newly introduced Newport scheme, and £820 for the North Ormesby scheme.

These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 1st July 2024

Kamma uses data-driven technology to help companies like yours deal with complex compliance effortlessly. We specialise in simplifying compliance to make anyone in your team an expert, providing your landlords with the peace of mind that they are in safe hands.

Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Middlesbrough Council, fines, court costs, and more. Ensure you comply with all regulations to avoid these risks. Fines for non-compliant agents can be up to £30,000 per non-compliant property, as well as rent repayment orders of up to 12 months.

If you’re concerned about unlicensed properties in your portfolio, book a free consultation today with one of our consultants to get a property licensing check here. By keeping your properties in line with your region’s licensing requirements, you can maintain peace of mind that you won’t get burnt by non-compliance.

Middlesbrough Council recently enforced a £45,000 fine for a student accommodation block in central Middlesbrough failing to meet licensing requirements in Newport. 

Despite being a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), the property is included in the scheme as it is privately owned and does not meet the exemption criteria for educational establishments.

The council began notifying landlords in October 2020 about the legal requirement for licences. The scheme, initiated in 2019, aims to address low housing demand, high crime rates, and poor housing conditions in the area. Middlesbrough Council clarified that the licensing fees fund the administration of the scheme without generating profit.

Middlesbrough Council faced legal action from landlords in June over the recent introduction of selective licensing in Newport, which requires landlords to pay £998 per property. The landlords argue that the fees are excessive and claim the council did not adhere to mandatory procedures when implementing the scheme. They also contend that the council used data from other areas to justify the licensing and failed to consider alternative solutions. The council asserts that selective licensing has significantly improved local conditions, though it has refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal challenge. The scheme is still set to launch in late July

Middlesbrough, located in North Yorkshire, northeastern England, lies on the south bank of the River Tees, 7 miles from the North Sea. Founded in 1830 with the expansion of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, it quickly became a coal-exporting hub. The discovery of ironstone in 1850 further spurred its growth, attracting blast furnaces and ironworks.

Though primary metallurgy has moved, Middlesbrough retains significant heavy engineering and a functioning port. It has diversified into industries like electronics and has grown into the commercial and cultural heart of Teesside. The town covers 21 square miles and had a population of 138,412 in 2011.