Licensing in force Citywide additional HMO licensing + selective licensing in named areas of west and east Newcastle.
Licensing schemes in Newcastle upon Tyne
| Scheme | Applies to | Area | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Homes let to 5 or more people from 2 or more households who share facilities | Every council in England | Since 2006 (national law) |
| Additional HMO licensing | Homes let to 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households | All 26 wards | 5 April 2025 to 5 April 2030 |
| Selective licensing | Most privately rented homes | Named areas in the west of the city: Cowgate, West End Terraces, the Howdene Road/Howlett Hall Road area of Benwell, Lemington, Denton Court and Columbia Grange | 5 April 2025 to 5 April 2030 |
| Selective licensing | Most privately rented homes | Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross (renewal) | 1 October 2026 to September 2031 |
What this means for landlords in Newcastle upon Tyne
- The renewed scheme for Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross started on 1 October 2026. Existing licences under the old scheme may need renewing. Selective licensing covers named streets and estates, not whole wards, so check your exact address.
How to check your property
- Work out who lives there: how many people, and whether they are one household or sharers.
- Check the exact address against the council's map or address checker. Schemes often cover parts of wards, and boundaries change.
- Apply before you let, or straight away if a new scheme has started. Letting without a required licence can lead to a fine or civil penalty and a rent repayment order.
- Check planning too. Some areas need planning permission to turn a family home into a small HMO (an Article 4 direction).
Our free council finder tells you which council covers a postcode, and the HMO compliance checker helps you work out whether a property is an HMO.
Official information: Newcastle City Council: selective licensing
Other councils
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to rent out a house in Newcastle upon Tyne?
It depends on the property, who lives there and exactly where it is. Every council licenses larger HMOs (5 or more people from 2 or more households). In Newcastle upon Tyne, additional hmo licensing applies to homes let to 3 or 4 people from 2 or more households in All 26 wards (5 April 2025 to 5 April 2030); selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes in named areas in the west of the city (5 April 2025 to 5 April 2030); selective licensing applies to most privately rented homes in Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross (1 October 2026 to September 2031). Check the address with Newcastle City Council.
What happens if I let a property in Newcastle upon Tyne without a licence?
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is a criminal offence. The council can prosecute or issue a civil penalty, and tenants or the council can apply for a rent repayment order.
How does LandlordHub help with licensing?
LandlordHub tracks each property's licence alongside gas, electrical, EPC and other certificates, and reminds you before anything expires. The council finder and HMO checker are free to use without an account.