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.
What are the licensing requirements for Gateshead?
Mandatory licensing in Gateshead
Mandatory licensing is required in Gateshead if your rented property is occupied by five or more people who form 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?
An additional licensing scheme requires that all HMO properties with 3 or more people from two different households require a licence. Gateshead council does not currently operate an additional licensing scheme.
Gateshead council has officially approved the introduction of a region-wide additional licensing scheme in July 2025. use our property licence checker to find out if you will be affected
Do I need a selective licence in Gateshead?
Selective licensing requires all HMO properties in a given area to obtain a licence, regardless of the number of occupants or households formed.
Gateshead council currently operates two selective licensing schemes, and is consulting on introducing two more phases of selective licensing:
- Selective Licensing scheme 1: This selective licensing scheme covers The Avenues (Area 2) and requires all private rented properties within this designated area to be licensed. The scheme runs from 30/10/2019 until 29/10/2024.
- Selective Licensing scheme 2: This scheme covers The Avenues (Area 3), requiring all private rented properties to be licensed, running from 30/04/2020 until 29/04/2025.
- Selective consultation: In July 2024, Gateshead council consulted on a new selective licensing scheme comprising two phases covering various parts of Gateshead. Areas affected by the proposed designation include North Felling, Bensham, Derwentwater, Swalwell North, The Avenues, and more which can be found here. The consultation will end in September 2024 where a decision will be made if the council is to go ahead with the scheme
How do I apply for a licence?
Gateshead Council has an online HMO licensing application process accessible here. For Kamma users, we offer a licence application service for Gateshead. Get in touch with us here to find out more.
How much does a license cost?
Mandatory licensing fee: £976.30 for up to 14 bedrooms, £1063.60 for 15+ bedrooms.
Selective licensing fee: £750.
These fees are subject to change and are accurate as of 18th April 2024.
Get instant access to compliance reports across all properties
Kamma uses data-driven technology to help landlords and lettings agents deal with complex licensing compliance effortlessly. Find out how Kamma’s software can keep you compliant across your portfolio.
- Clear actionable advice for every property in your portfolio
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What happens if I don't get a licence in Gateshead?
Ignoring the law could result in prosecution by Gateshead 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.
Licensing enforcement efforts in Gateshead
Gateshead Council recently won an appeal concerning a £9,224 selective licence civil penalties case. The issue arose when a landlord, having bought and renovated two properties in 2020, rented them out without applying for the required selective licences. The council discovered this oversight when tenants registered for council tax and subsequently imposed penalties after notifying the landlord. Despite the landlord applying for the licences shortly after being informed, the council proceeded with penalties.
The landlord’s defense was based on a “reasonable excuse,” citing failures by the solicitors involved in the property transactions to inform about the need for licences. Initially, the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) sided with the landlord, criticizing the council’s adherence to its enforcement policy. However, upon appeal, the Upper Tier Tribunal (UTT) dismissed these arguments, asserting that the landlord should have instructed solicitors to check for such requirements. Consequently, the UTT reimposed the financial penalties and remitted the case back to the FTT to determine the final penalty amount.
If you’re unsure as to the properties you manage may need a HMO licence in Gateshead, feel free to use our Gateshead property licence checker to receive a free licensing report.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Gateshead council planning on introducing any new licensing schemes?
Gateshead council launched a consultation in July 2024 for an additional licensing scheme and two phases of selective licensing. The consultation is set to end in September 2024 where a decision will be made by the council as to whether the schemes will go ahead. Further details can be found out here.
Why has selective licensing in Gateshead been introduced?
Selective licensing has been introduced in Gateshead to address issues such as poor housing conditions, high levels of deprivation, and persistent antisocial behavior (ASB) in the private rented sector (PRS). The scheme aims to improve property standards, ensure better management of rental properties, and create safer and healthier living environments for tenants. The evidence shows that Gateshead’s PRS has grown steadily since 2011, with 17.2% of the housing stock in 2024 being privately rented, compared to 13% in 2011. However, a significant portion of these properties are substandard, with 16% of PRS properties predicted to have at least one Category 1 hazard .
Why is Gateshead consulting on new selective and additional licensing schemes?
Gateshead is consulting on new selective and additional licensing schemes to build on the success of existing licensing programs and address ongoing issues in the PRS. The new schemes aim to extend coverage to additional areas with poor housing conditions, significant deprivation, and high ASB rates. The consultation seeks to gather feedback from stakeholders to ensure the proposed schemes effectively target the areas most in need and improve overall housing standards and management practices .
What are the HMO conditions to obtain a licence in Gateshead?
To obtain a licence for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Gateshead, properties must meet specific conditions. These include having adequate fire safety measures such as working smoke alarms and clear escape routes, proper electrical safety with regular inspections and maintenance of electrical systems, adequate amenities and facilities for the number of occupants including sufficient kitchen and bathroom facilities, compliance with minimum space standards to prevent overcrowding, and proactive management of the property to address issues like ASB and maintenance promptly. These conditions aim to ensure that HMOs provide safe and suitable living environments for their occupants .
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.
