Does My Gateshead Property Need a Rental Licence?

As of 2025, landlords in Gateshead must navigate a significant new property licensing programme that introduces both Selective Licensing and Additional Licensing schemes. These changes mean many rental properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), now require a licence to be legally let. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines and legal action.

Understanding Gateshead's New Licensing Schemes

Gateshead Council has implemented a phased rollout of property licensing, targeting specific wards and property types to improve housing standards. Landlords need to identify which scheme applies to their properties.

Selective Licensing

Selective Licensing in Gateshead is being introduced in two phases, focusing on areas requiring intervention to improve property conditions and management.

#### Phase 1 Selective Licensing

* Effective Dates: 1 June 2025 – 31 May 2030

* Affected Wards: Bensham and Saltwell

These wards are notable for their proximity to Newcastle and the high demand for student housing from Northumbria and Newcastle University attendees. This concentration of student rentals has prompted the council to introduce licensing to better manage housing stock in the area.

#### Phase 2 Selective Licensing

* Effective Dates: From 1 October 2025 (ongoing)

* Affected Wards: Deckham and Felling

This second phase extends the selective licensing requirements to the Deckham and Felling wards, continuing the council's efforts to raise housing quality across the borough.

Additional Licensing for HMOs

* Effective Dates: 1 June 2025 – 30 May 2030

* Affected Properties: All Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) throughout the borough that are not already covered by mandatory HMO licensing.

This borough-wide scheme applies to smaller HMOs and is particularly relevant for landlords letting to students or professional sharers. The Additional Licensing scheme ensures that all HMOs meet consistent management and safety standards.

Scheme Timelines and Key Dates

The following table summarises the key dates for each licensing scheme:

What this means in practice

Consider a landlord who owns a three-bedroom house in the Saltwell ward, rented to three unrelated university students. Before 1 June 2025, this property may not have needed a licence. However, under the new rules, it now falls under both the Phase 1 Selective Licensing scheme (due to its location) and the Additional Licensing scheme (as it is an HMO). The landlord must now apply for two separate licences and ensure the property complies with the conditions of both. This example highlights how the overlapping schemes can create complex obligations for landlords.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for a property licence in Gateshead:

1. Confirm Requirements: First, use the Gateshead Council's online checker to determine which scheme(s) apply to your specific property.

2. Prepare Documents: Gather all required documentation. This typically includes floor plans, current gas and electrical safety certificates (EICR), an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and details of your management arrangements.

3. Submit Application: Complete the official application form on the Gateshead Council's property licensing portal.

4. Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee. The cost varies depending on the scheme. For example, a Selective Licence fee is often in the range of £600-£800, which may be paid in instalments.

5. Council Assessment: After you apply, the council will review your application and may schedule a property inspection to verify that it meets the required standards.

Check your specific property

With multiple licensing schemes now active in Gateshead, you must verify the exact requirements for your rental property. Use our free licensing checker to get an instant answer for your specific address.

Check your property now