HMO licensing in Newcastle

Which licences a rented house needs in Newcastle, and where. England. Checked 7 September 2026.

Newcastle runs additional licensing and selective licensing on top of mandatory licensing.

Mandatory HMO licence: 5 or more people forming 2 or more households sharing facilities.

Additional licensing

Extends HMO licensing to smaller HMOs (typically 3 or 4 people) in a designated area.

StatusIn forceWherewhole districtDesignated1 April 2025

New city-wide additional licensing scheme from April 2025 (month only), designation document dated October 2024; previous city-wide scheme designated April 2020. End date not stated. Source: https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/property-licensing-schemes-newcastle/additional-licensing

Selective licensing

Every privately rented home in a designated area needs a licence, HMO or not.

StatusIn forceWherenamed areas: Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross (Oct 2021 to Oct 2026); Cowgate, West End Terraces, HHRS Benwell, Lemington, Denton Court, Columbia Grange (from April 2025)Designated1 April 2025

Eight designated areas per page. Byker Old Town and Greater High Cross schemes end October 2026; replacement Byker and High Cross scheme starts 2026-10-01. April 2025 date is month only. Source: https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/property-licensing-schemes-newcastle/selective-licensing

Council HMO page · Council Article 4 page · HMO Article 4 in Newcastle

Check an exact postcode for Article 4

Is a postcode inside an HMO Article 4 area?

See this on every listing.Kerbio puts the Article 4 answer, licensing, the council's HMO register and sold prices on the Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket page itself. Free for 7 days, then £39 a month.

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Sources: Newcastle council, gov.uk HMO licensing. Schemes change; confirm with the council before you offer.