Which areas are covered
| Scheme | Area | Runs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective licensing | Newport 2 area (part of Newport ward) | 3 July 2023 to 2 July 2028 | £878 plus a £20 one-off fit and proper person test fee |
| Selective licensing | Newport 1 area (part of Newport ward), re-designated in 2024 | not published to 22 July 2029 | £998 (£499 on application, £499 on grant) plus £20 fit and proper person check per proposed licence holder |
| Mandatory HMO licensing | Whole borough (HMOs with 5 or more people forming 2 or more households) | not published to no end date | £1,168.88 for up to 10 bedrooms (£720.36 on application, £448.52 on approval) |
Do I need a licence?
- An HMO with five or more people forming two or more households: yes, mandatory HMO licence.
- Any privately rented home inside a selective licensing area: yes, selective licence.
How to apply and what it costs
Apply on the Middlesbrough Council website. Published fees: Selective licensing £878 plus a £20 one-off fit and proper person test fee; Selective licensing £998 (£499 on application, £499 on grant) plus £20 fit and proper person check per proposed licence holder; Mandatory HMO licensing £1,168.88 for up to 10 bedrooms (£720.36 on application, £448.52 on approval).
Penalties for letting without a licence
Letting a property that needs a licence without one is an offence. Councils can issue civil penalties or prosecute, and tenants can apply for a rent repayment order.
What else to know about Middlesbrough Council
- Selective licensing in North Ormesby has ended; all licences there ceased on 13 June 2026.
- Middlesbrough selective licences are non-transferable and fees are non-refundable.
- HMOs with 5 or more occupants from more than one household need an HMO licence rather than a selective licence.
Landlord compliance checklist
Licensing is one part of compliance. Use the compliance checklist, and if you’re starting a tenancy, the compliance pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does Middlesbrough Council have selective licensing?
Yes, in these areas: Newport 2 area (part of Newport ward); Newport 1 area (part of Newport ward), re-designated in 2024. Check your street on the council’s map.
Does Middlesbrough Council have additional HMO licensing?
No additional HMO licensing scheme; the council states that HMOs housing 4 people or fewer do not need an HMO licence (small HMOs in the Newport selective areas need a selective licence instead).
Do large HMOs need a licence?
Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across England to HMOs occupied by five or more people forming two or more households.
How do I apply?
Apply through the council’s website: https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/housing/landlords/selective-landlord-licensing-scheme/