Landlord licensing in Newcastle-under-Lyme Council

Licensing at a glance

HMO licensing

Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties occupied by five or more persons, forming two or more households, who share facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet. This licensing is operated by Newcastle-under-Lyme Council.

Additional licensing

Newcastle-under-Lyme Council operates an additional licensing scheme for smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) that are not subject to mandatory licensing. This scheme applies borough-wide to HMOs occupied by three or four tenants forming two or more households who share a kitchen or bathroom facilities.

Selective licensing

Newcastle-under-Lyme Council implemented a selective licensing scheme for private rented properties in designated areas across the borough on 1 April 2024. This scheme requires all landlords of privately rented homes in these specific areas to obtain a licence, including single-family lets. Details of the designated areas are available on the council's website.

Typical fees

For a mandatory HMO licence, the fee is £980 for a five-year licence. The fee for an additional HMO licence is £750 for a five-year licence. The selective licensing fee is £575 for a five-year licence, with a discount of £50 if accredited. Fees are often payable in two parts.

Towns covered

Newcastle-under-Lyme

What this means for you

If you let a property in the Newcastle-under-Lyme Council area, first confirm which licensing regime the exact address falls under. Mandatory HMO licensing applies to properties with five or more occupiers forming two or more households who share facilities. Additional licensing can extend licensing to smaller HMOs, covering specific property types or areas. Selective licensing may require a licence for every private rented home in designated areas, including single-family lets. Check the council's current designations and scheme details for the precise address before advertising. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (main provisions commenced 2026) introduced periodic assured tenancies and ended section 21 no-fault evictions. Landlords must also ensure a current gas safety record where gas is present, an EICR no more than five years old, a valid EPC, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, deposit protection with prescribed information, and all other required prescribed documents are served before the tenancy starts.

Official links

• Licensing pages
• Council website