Gateshead Council Is Moving To Data-Led Enforcement
Property Licensing Guide for Gateshead
Gateshead currently operates selective licensing in 12 wards and additional licensing in 12 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?
Gateshead Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Gateshead? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Gateshead 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.
Not sure whether a Gateshead property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Gateshead property →What are the licensing requirements for Gateshead?
Mandatory licensing in Gateshead
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Gateshead (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 Gateshead?
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.
Gateshead operates additional HMO licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Do I need a selective licence in Gateshead?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Gateshead operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Additional licensing: 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2030 — covering Birtley, Bridges, Chopwell and Rowlands Gill, Crawcrook and Greenside, Deckham, Dunston Hill and Whickham East, Dunston and Teams, Felling, High Fell, Lobley Hill and Bensham, Saltwell and Whickham North.
Selective licensing: 1 June 2025 to 30 May 2030 — covering Birtley, Bridges, Chopwell and Rowlands Gill, Crawcrook and Greenside, High Fell, Lobley Hill and Bensham and Saltwell.
Selective licensing: 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2030 — covering Bridges, Deckham, Dunston Hill and Whickham East, Dunston and Teams, Felling, Lobley Hill and Bensham, Saltwell and Whickham North.
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 Gateshead Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Gateshead Council’s property licensing fees page for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Gateshead Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Gateshead operate?
Gateshead operates selective and additional licensing (1 June 2025 to 30 May 2030), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Gateshead 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 Gateshead, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Gateshead property licence?
You can apply through Gateshead 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 Gateshead introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Gateshead 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 Gateshead?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Gateshead
Gateshead is a town and metropolitan borough located in the metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear, within the historic county of Durham, northeastern England. It began as a small settlement at the southern end of a medieval bridge across the River Tyne, opposite Newcastle upon Tyne. Gateshead’s growth was fueled by coal mining and the iron and steel industry during the Industrial Revolution, establishing it as a significant urban center. Although heavy industry declined in the 20th century, the town still maintains metal fabrication, engineering, light manufacturing, and food-processing industries. Notable sites include the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. The borough, covering 55 square miles, includes the towns of Felling, Dunston, and Blaydon, as well as suburban areas and countryside. As of the 2011 census, the population of the town was 120,046 and the borough was 200,214.
Licensing Enforcement in Gateshead
Gateshead 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.
