HMO licensing in Newcastle upon Tyne
Verified by a human · 11 July 2026Do you need an HMO licence in Newcastle upon Tyne?
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Newcastle upon Tyne property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. Newcastle upon Tyne does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them.
Licensing schemes in force
Mandatory HMO licensing
Applies district-wide to HMOs with 5+ occupants forming 2+ households. National scheme under the Housing Act 2004, Part 2. It has no end date and never lapses.
Additional licensing
No additional scheme currently operates in Newcastle upon Tyne. Smaller HMOs (3–4 occupants) do not need a licence. We track consultations, so this page updates if that changes.
Selective licensing
No selective scheme is in force. Selective licensing covers all privately rented homes in a designated area, not just HMOs.
Council summary: Mandatory licensing (All HMOs having five or more occupants living in two or more households who share facilities i.e. kitchen, bathroom).
Article 4 direction
An Article 4 direction removes permitted development rights for HMO conversion in part or all of Newcastle upon Tyne. Converting a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4) needs planning permission inside the direction area. Large HMOs of 7+ occupants are sui generis and always need permission.
“Newcastle City Council has since introduced several Article 4 Directions which remove those permitted development rights. This means that in certain parts of the Newcastle, planning permission is required to change use from Class C3 (dwellinghouses) to Class C4 (HMO). The areas covered by an Article 4 Direction are set out in the table and map below... 25 November 2011 Parts of Heaton, High West Jesmond, Jesmond, South Gosforth, Sandyford and Spital Tongues... 9 December 2012 Parts of High West Jesmond and North Jesmond... 9 August 2013 Saint Gabriel's' Estate, Heaton”
Licence fees (2026)
| Application | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| New licence | £1,000 | |
| Renewal | £1,000 | |
| Validity | 5 years |
Many councils split payment into two stages following the Gaskin ruling. The figures above are totals.
Track your Newcastle upon Tyne HMO
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Start freeRoom sizes and amenity standards
| Standard | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom, 1 adult | 6.51 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, 2 adults | 10.22 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
| Bedroom, child under 10 | 4.64 m² minimum | National (mandatory condition) |
Local standards are where councils differ most, and they change without notice. Confirm with Newcastle upon Tyne council before letting a room.
What you need to apply
- Gas safety certificate (CP12), current
- Electrical installation condition report (EICR), within 5 years
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting test certificates
- Floor plan with room sizes marked
- Fit and proper person declaration
- Energy performance certificate (EPC), E or above
What changed
- Page verified against current council sources.
- Renters' Rights Act commencement. Periodic tenancies noted in guidance.
Newcastle upon Tyne HMO questions, answered plainly
Do I need an HMO licence in Newcastle upon Tyne?+
You need a mandatory HMO licence if your Newcastle upon Tyne property houses 5 or more people from 2 or more households sharing facilities. This is the England-wide mandatory rule under the Housing Act 2004. Newcastle upon Tyne does not currently run an additional or selective licensing scheme, so 3–4 person HMOs are unlicensed. Management regulations and room standards still apply to them. Confirm the current position with the council before accepting tenants.
How much does an HMO licence cost in Newcastle upon Tyne?+
A new mandatory HMO licence in Newcastle upon Tyne costs £1,000, and renewal costs £1,000. The licence runs for 5 years. Fees change with council budgets, so confirm before applying.
Does Newcastle upon Tyne have an Article 4 direction for HMOs?+
Yes. An Article 4 direction is in force in Newcastle upon Tyne (or part of it), which means planning permission is required to convert a family home (C3) to a small HMO (C4, up to 6 occupants). Check the exact boundary with the planning department, because directions often cover specific wards rather than the whole district.
What are the minimum room sizes for an HMO in Newcastle upon Tyne?+
National minimums apply: 6.51m² for one adult, 10.22m² for two adults, and 4.64m² for a child under 10. Rooms under 4.64m² cannot be used for sleeping. Newcastle upon Tyne may also apply local amenity standards for kitchens and bathrooms, so check before letting.
What happens if I run an unlicensed HMO in Newcastle upon Tyne?+
Operating a licensable HMO without a licence is an offence under section 72 of the Housing Act 2004. The council can prosecute (unlimited fine) or issue a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per offence. Tenants can claim back up to 12 months of rent through a Rent Repayment Order, and Section 21 notices are invalid while the property is unlicensed.
Neighbouring councils
Know where your Newcastle upon Tyne HMO stands.
HMOJO maps these rules onto your actual property, room by room, and reminds you before anything lapses. Free for your first property.
Sources
- Newcastle upon Tyne council HMO licensing pages (checked 11 July 2026)
- Housing Act 2004, Part 2 (mandatory licensing framework)
- Licensing of HMOs (Mandatory Conditions) Regulations 2018 (room sizes)
HMOJO surfaces licensing information and shows its sources. It is not legal advice and we never certify that a property is compliant. Rules change, so confirm with Newcastle upon Tyne council or a qualified professional before acting.