Planning for a thriving private rented housing sector
We're inviting residents, landlords, letting agents, and business owners to have their say on proposals for new property licensing for private rented homes in parts of Gateshead, helping to make sure they are safe, warm, and well maintained.
In 2007, Gateshead Council were one of the first councils in the country to introduce selective licensing, meaning that landlords of private rented properties in defined areas of Gateshead were required to get a licence from the council before renting the property to tenants.
Since its introduction, we've taken significant action to ensure that landlords of private rented homes comply with the terms of their licence, and tenants are considerate neighbours, resulting in improvements to the quality and safety of local housing and neighbourhoods. But there is still more to do to ensure improved standards and better protection for private renters. That's why the council wants to continue the good work that has been achieved so far by expanding the area that is covered and introduce new licensing schemes.
We're now consulting on proposals for new selective licensing and Additional Housing of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) Licensing schemes, which if approved, would come into effect in two phases, starting in Spring 2025.
Selective licensing applies to homes that are occupied by single families or two sharers. Additional HMO licensing applies to small, shared houses that are occupied by three or more households, that share a kitchen and or bathroom.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"More than a decade ago, we introduced property licensing for private rented homes. Since this time many other councils across the country have now followed.
"We introduced selective licensing to address poor housing conditions in Gateshead, as well as anti-social behaviour, crime and other issues that exacerbate deprivation and inequality, including overcrowding and fuel poverty. Our proposals to expand our property licensing area have been developed to make sure more tenants become aware of the standards they should expect, and more landlords are aware of their responsibilities.
"Gateshead is a place with a rich history of endeavour and enterprise. It is a place with a strong spirit and great pride; a place where people care deeply about their neighbours and their local community. That's why it's important that everyone who cares about Gateshead shares their views."
Complete the consultation survey
The consultation has been extended until Monday 7 October 2024. Paper copies can be provided on request by emailing prs@gateshead.gov.uk or by calling 0191433 3365.
We're inviting residents, landlords, letting agents, and business owners to have their say on proposals for new property licensing for private rented homes in parts of Gateshead, helping to make sure they are safe, warm, and well maintained.
In 2007, Gateshead Council were one of the first councils in the country to introduce selective licensing, meaning that landlords of private rented properties in defined areas of Gateshead were required to get a licence from the council before renting the property to tenants.
Since its introduction, we've taken significant action to ensure that landlords of private rented homes comply with the terms of their licence, and tenants are considerate neighbours, resulting in improvements to the quality and safety of local housing and neighbourhoods. But there is still more to do to ensure improved standards and better protection for private renters. That's why the council wants to continue the good work that has been achieved so far by expanding the area that is covered and introduce new licensing schemes.
We're now consulting on proposals for new selective licensing and Additional Housing of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) Licensing schemes, which if approved, would come into effect in two phases, starting in Spring 2025.
Selective licensing applies to homes that are occupied by single families or two sharers. Additional HMO licensing applies to small, shared houses that are occupied by three or more households, that share a kitchen and or bathroom.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"More than a decade ago, we introduced property licensing for private rented homes. Since this time many other councils across the country have now followed.
"We introduced selective licensing to address poor housing conditions in Gateshead, as well as anti-social behaviour, crime and other issues that exacerbate deprivation and inequality, including overcrowding and fuel poverty. Our proposals to expand our property licensing area have been developed to make sure more tenants become aware of the standards they should expect, and more landlords are aware of their responsibilities.
"Gateshead is a place with a rich history of endeavour and enterprise. It is a place with a strong spirit and great pride; a place where people care deeply about their neighbours and their local community. That's why it's important that everyone who cares about Gateshead shares their views."
Complete the consultation survey
The consultation has been extended until Monday 7 October 2024. Paper copies can be provided on request by emailing prs@gateshead.gov.uk or by calling 0191433 3365.
