Do I need an HMO licence in Middlesbrough?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Middlesbrough runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.

Which property licensing schemes are active in Middlesbrough?

Middlesbrough has 2 schemes in force on our register: North Ormesby selective landlord licensing scheme (from Designated March 2021; the page says licences last a maximum of 5 years); Newport selective landlord licensing scheme (part of Newport ward) (from Designation notice dated March 2019; the council page says the scheme currently runs). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Middlesbrough?

The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Middlesbrough's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Middlesbrough?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Middlesbrough can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Middlesbrough?

HMO licence applications in Middlesbrough are handled by Middlesbrough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Middlesbrough HMO licensing guide

Middlesbrough HMO licence — do you need one?

You need a mandatory HMO licence in Middlesbrough if 5 or more people from 2 or more households share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Middlesbrough's 2 licensing schemes can also cover smaller lets (details below). Middlesbrough Council sets the fee, so check its website before you apply. Apply to Middlesbrough Council using the official links below.

Which licence do you need in Middlesbrough?

England runs three separate regimes. More than one can apply to the same property.

Mandatory HMO licenceExplained on this page5 or more occupants from 2+ households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toiletApplies everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingSmaller HMOs the national rules miss — council-designatedNot in force in Middlesbrough
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Middlesbrough · See selective licensing in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough has an open consultation on property licensing — the position above may change if a new scheme is confirmed.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Middlesbrough announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Last checked 5 November 2026. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

SelectiveEffective: Designated March 2021; the page says licences last a maximum of 5 years

North Ormesby selective landlord licensing scheme

Private landlords in the designated North Ormesby streets need a licence for each rented property. The council says the scheme tackles anti-social behaviour and low housing demand linked to private renting.

Read the original announcement →

SelectiveEffective: Designation notice dated March 2019; the council page says the scheme currently runs

Newport selective landlord licensing scheme (part of Newport ward)

Private landlords in the designated part of Newport ward need a licence for each rented property. The council page says the scheme currently runs there. Its designation notice is dated March 2019.

Read the original announcement →

ConsultationEffective: Consultation shown as open on the council page; dates not stated

Consultation on extending the Newport selective licensing area

The council is proposing to extend the part of Newport ward covered by selective landlord licensing. Its page invites people to take part in the consultation.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Middlesbrough-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
Letting an unlicensed HMO can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 (up from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026) or prosecution, plus a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).

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HMO licensing in Middlesbrough — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Middlesbrough?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Middlesbrough runs 2 additional or selective schemes that can require a licence for smaller HMOs or even single-household rentals. Check the scheme details above against your property's address.
Which property licensing schemes are active in Middlesbrough?: Middlesbrough has 2 schemes in force on our register: North Ormesby selective landlord licensing scheme (from Designated March 2021; the page says licences last a maximum of 5 years); Newport selective landlord licensing scheme (part of Newport ward) (from Designation notice dated March 2019; the council page says the scheme currently runs). Each can require a licence beyond the national mandatory HMO rules. Check the scheme details and council links above against your property's address.
How many tenants make a property an HMO in Middlesbrough?: The national test is the same across England: 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet need a mandatory licence. Middlesbrough's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Middlesbrough?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Middlesbrough can mean a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence or prosecution (which can mean an unlimited fine and a criminal record) — a civil penalty is an alternative to prosecution, not an addition to it. The maximum penalty rose from £30,000 for offences from 1 May 2026, under the Financial Penalties (Housing Offences and Breach of Banning Orders) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/319), made under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. Tenants (or the council) can also apply for a Rent Repayment Order of up to 2 years' rent for offences from 1 May 2026 (12 months before then).
Where do I apply for an HMO licence in Middlesbrough?: HMO licence applications in Middlesbrough are handled by Middlesbrough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Middlesbrough schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Middlesbrough Council before letting or applying for a licence.