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Property Licensing Guide for Northumberland
Northumberland currently operates selective licensing in 2 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?
Northumberland Property Licensing Schemes
Got questions about licensing schemes in Northumberland? We’re here to help. This free guide will provide you with the key details regarding what licensing requirements are necessary in Northumberland 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 Northumberland?
Mandatory licensing in Northumberland
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across Northumberland (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 Northumberland?
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.
Northumberland 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 Northumberland?
Selective licensing requires almost all privately rented properties in a designated area to be licensed, regardless of the number of occupants.
Northumberland operates selective licensing — the current designation is set out below.
Selective licensing: 14 October 2024 to 13 October 2029 — covering Croft Ward.
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 Northumberland Council’s website here. Or let Kamma’s expert team process the application for you.
How much does a license cost?
Licence fees: see Northumberland Council’s property licensing fees page for current selective, additional and mandatory HMO fees.
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Northumberland Property Licensing FAQs
What licensing schemes does Northumberland operate?
Northumberland operates selective licensing (14 October 2024 to 13 October 2029), alongside the national mandatory HMO scheme. See the scheme details above.
Do all properties in Northumberland 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 Northumberland, and many manage the full process.
How do I apply for a Northumberland property licence?
You can apply through Northumberland 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 Northumberland introduce selective licensing?
Selective licensing is used to improve housing conditions and tackle anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector.
Why did Northumberland 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 Northumberland?
The council’s HMO licence conditions set standards for fire safety, amenities, room sizes and management (licence conditions).
About Northumberland
Northumberland is a historic county and unitary authority in northeastern England, known as England’s northernmost county. It borders Scotland to the north, the North Sea to the east, Cumbria to the west, and Durham to the south. While Newcastle was historically the county town, Morpeth now serves as the administrative centre. In 2009, Northumberland transitioned into a unitary authority, consolidating its six former administrative entities: Alnwick, Tynedale, Wansbeck, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Blyth Valley, and Castle Morpeth. The historic county of Northumberland encompasses the entire unitary authority area, including the metropolitan boroughs of Newcastle upon Tyne and North Tyneside within Tyne and Wear.
Licensing Enforcement in Northumberland
Northumberland 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.
