Property licensing consultations

Newcastle City Council is consulting on proposals which could lead to new Selective Licensing schemes in Lemington, Denton Court and Columbia Grange and amended schemes in Cowgate and the West End being put in place for another five years.

The plans also include a new Additional Licensing Scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the whole city.

Before we can introduce a licensing scheme, we have to show why we think this kind of scheme is needed, what kind of problems it is trying to tackle and why we think Selective Licensing is the only option left.

We must consult with all affected people, such as tenants, residents, landlords, managing agents, businesses, charities, police, fire service and local councillors.

It is very important that we gather as many views as possible and that we give proper consideration to these views.

The formal consultation process starts on March 6, 2024 and lasts for 12 weeks, ending on May 29, 2024.

During this time an online consultation survey will be available at: 

A consultation event will also take place at the Banqueting Hall, Civic Centre, Newcastle, on March 21 from 6pm to 8pm.

Documents

Selective and Additional Licensing Boundary

Cabinet Report - 19 February 2024

Frequently asked questions

What is property licensing?

Property licensing gives the council the power to make landlords accountable for the way they look after and manage their properties. Licensing means landlords need to meet certain standards and if they don’t then we can take action to make sure they do.

Are Selective Licensing and Additional Licensing different?

Selective Licensing means that all properties in a certain areas must have a license if a landlord wants to rent them out.

We can only use Selective Licensing if it will help improve an area where there are issues like antisocial behaviour, poor housing conditions or high levels of deprivation or crime.

Additional Licensing are used when there are Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not being managed properly. These licenses can cover a large area but only apply to the HMOs in the area.

Selective and Additional licensing schemes aim to improve how private rented properties are managed and have a positive impact on the local area.

What are the benefits of property licensing?

In areas where we have introduced property licensing schemes the quality of homes has improved, antisocial behaviour has reduced and the areas have become safer, better places to live.

Is it the house or the landlord that needs a license?

It is the house that needs a license. Landlords will need a license for every property they rent out in a Selective Licensing area and for every HMO they own in the city.

Will every private rented house in the city need a license?

No. Only homes in Selective Licensing areas and HMOs where 3 or more people who aren’t part of the same family live will need a license.

Which areas will be covered by the Selective Licensing schemes?

Selective Licensing Schemes can only last for five years.

The current schemes in Elswick, Benwell and Cowgate are due to end in 2025.

We want to know what you think about changes we are proposing to that would see these schemes put in place for another five years.

We also want your opinion on proposals to introduce Lemington, Columbia Grange and Denton Court.