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Property Licensing Guide for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough currently operates selective licensing in 1 ward; 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?
Middlesbrough Property Licensing Schemes
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.
Not sure whether a Middlesbrough property needs a licence? Kamma's free checker tells you in seconds — across selective, additional and HMO schemes.
Check a Middlesbrough property →What are the licensing requirements for Middlesbrough?
Mandatory licensing in Middlesbrough
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Middlesbrough (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 Middlesbrough?
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.
Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Middlesbrough operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 3 July 2023 to 2 July 2028 — covering Newport.
Selective licensing: 23 July 2024 to 22 July 2029 — covering Newport.
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 Middlesbrough Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Middlesbrough Council’s property licensing fees page for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Middlesbrough Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Middlesbrough operate?
Middlesbrough operates selective licensing (3 July 2023 to 2 July 2028), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Middlesbrough property licence?
You can apply through Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Middlesbrough
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.
Licensing Enforcement in Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough 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.
