Landlord licensing in Gateshead Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties occupied by five or more people forming two or more households who share a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet.

Additional licensing

Gateshead Council currently has an Additional HMO licensing scheme for properties with three or four occupiers forming two or more households in the whole borough. This scheme started on 1 September 2020 and runs until 31 August 2025. Landlords should check if their property requires a licence.

Selective licensing

Gateshead Council currently operates selective licensing schemes in specific areas of the borough. These include parts of Bensham and Saltwell, Felling, and Deckham. Landlords must check if their property falls within a designated selective licensing area.

Towns covered

Gateshead

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Gateshead Council area, confirm which licensing regime applies to the exact address. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties let to five or more people from two or more households who share facilities. Additional licensing and selective licensing may apply in designated areas. Always check current designations before advertising. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 mandates periodic assured tenancies and ends Section 21 evictions from 2026. Maintain a current gas safety record, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection and prescribed information, and all required prescribed documents served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website