Private property licensing to improve rental standards
Gateshead Council has approved new licensing arrangements to help tackle rogue landlords and improve conditions for people living in private rented accommodation in Gateshead.
In 2007, we became one of the first councils in the UK to introduce selective landlord licensing, which requires landlords in designated areas to demonstrate that their rental properties meet specific requirements before they can be rented out.
The initiative has been expanded multiple times since then, ensuring private rented homes are safe, warm and well-managed, and addressing issues such as poverty, poor housing conditions and overcrowding. It also aims to support tenants with mental health issues, improve access to specialist services and help wider communities by tackling issues relating to anti-social behaviour and crime.
Last year, the council announced proposals to further expand its property licensing areas and introduce new schemes, including selective licensing for homes occupied by single families or two sharers, and Additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing for small, shared houses occupied by three or four people.
Following consultation with local residents, landlords, letting agents and business owners, the new arrangements will take effect in two phases. From 1 June, licences will be required in areas of central Gateshead, Birtley, Chopwell and High Fell, as well as for three- or four-person shared houses throughout the existing designated areas (phase 1). From 1 October, the scheme will expand again to cover additional areas of central Gateshead, Felling and Swalwell (phase 2).
The new areas, which include 5,391 addresses, have been selected due to issues relating to deprivation, anti-social behaviour and the level of private rental housing that needs improvement.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, emphasised the importance of these measures:
"Selective landlord licensing makes sure that tenants are aware of the standards they should expect, and that landlords understand their responsibilities. The overarching goal is to foster strong, healthy, and vibrant neighbourhoods in Gateshead.
"While many landlords in Gateshead provide good, safe accommodation, there are some that take advantage of tenants, forcing them to live in sub-standard conditions, subjecting them to harassment, or the threat of illegal eviction.
"These licensing arrangements will help us raise standards by holding these landlords accountable, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those who fail to comply with the conditions of their licence.
"Likewise, this initiative also clarifies the standards expected of tenants. Anti-social behaviour or failure to act responsibly in relation to their tenancy could result in eviction."
All landlords within the new designated areas must apply for a license by the beginning of their phase. Applications will open from Saturday 1 March. Landlords who fail to apply for their license or do not comply with their conditions risk a fine of up to £30,000 or prosecution.
Further information on our rented property licensing schemes, including application processes and conditions are available online, or contact the our Private Sector Housing Team at privatelandlords@gateshead.gov.uk or on 0191 433 3926 or 0191 433 3365.
Gateshead Council has approved new licensing arrangements to help tackle rogue landlords and improve conditions for people living in private rented accommodation in Gateshead.
In 2007, we became one of the first councils in the UK to introduce selective landlord licensing, which requires landlords in designated areas to demonstrate that their rental properties meet specific requirements before they can be rented out.
The initiative has been expanded multiple times since then, ensuring private rented homes are safe, warm and well-managed, and addressing issues such as poverty, poor housing conditions and overcrowding. It also aims to support tenants with mental health issues, improve access to specialist services and help wider communities by tackling issues relating to anti-social behaviour and crime.
Last year, the council announced proposals to further expand its property licensing areas and introduce new schemes, including selective licensing for homes occupied by single families or two sharers, and Additional Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Licensing for small, shared houses occupied by three or four people.
Following consultation with local residents, landlords, letting agents and business owners, the new arrangements will take effect in two phases. From 1 June, licences will be required in areas of central Gateshead, Birtley, Chopwell and High Fell, as well as for three- or four-person shared houses throughout the existing designated areas (phase 1). From 1 October, the scheme will expand again to cover additional areas of central Gateshead, Felling and Swalwell (phase 2).
The new areas, which include 5,391 addresses, have been selected due to issues relating to deprivation, anti-social behaviour and the level of private rental housing that needs improvement.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing at Gateshead Council, emphasised the importance of these measures:
"Selective landlord licensing makes sure that tenants are aware of the standards they should expect, and that landlords understand their responsibilities. The overarching goal is to foster strong, healthy, and vibrant neighbourhoods in Gateshead.
"While many landlords in Gateshead provide good, safe accommodation, there are some that take advantage of tenants, forcing them to live in sub-standard conditions, subjecting them to harassment, or the threat of illegal eviction.
"These licensing arrangements will help us raise standards by holding these landlords accountable, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those who fail to comply with the conditions of their licence.
"Likewise, this initiative also clarifies the standards expected of tenants. Anti-social behaviour or failure to act responsibly in relation to their tenancy could result in eviction."
All landlords within the new designated areas must apply for a license by the beginning of their phase. Applications will open from Saturday 1 March. Landlords who fail to apply for their license or do not comply with their conditions risk a fine of up to £30,000 or prosecution.
Further information on our rented property licensing schemes, including application processes and conditions are available online, or contact the our Private Sector Housing Team at privatelandlords@gateshead.gov.uk or on 0191 433 3926 or 0191 433 3365.
