Do I need an HMO licence in Northumberland?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Northumberland runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Northumberland?

Northumberland has one scheme in force on our register: Croft Ward (Blyth) Selective Licensing Scheme (from 14 October 2024 to 13 October 2029). It 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 Northumberland?

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. Northumberland's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

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

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Northumberland 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 Northumberland?

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

Northumberland HMO licensing guide

Northumberland HMO licence — do you need one?

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

Which licence do you need in Northumberland?

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 Northumberland
Selective licensingANY privately rented home in a designated area — including single-family letsIn force in Northumberland · See selective licensing in Northumberland

Active and upcoming schemes

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

SelectiveEffective: 14 October 2024 to 13 October 2029

Croft Ward (Blyth) Selective Licensing Scheme

All privately rented properties in the Croft Ward area of Blyth need a licence unless exempt. The area is bounded by Hodgsons Road to the north, Waterloo Road/Bridge Street to the south, Regent Street to the east and Renwick Road to the west.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Northumberland-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 Northumberland — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Northumberland?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Northumberland runs 1 additional or selective scheme 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 Northumberland?: Northumberland has one scheme in force on our register: Croft Ward (Blyth) Selective Licensing Scheme (from 14 October 2024 to 13 October 2029). It 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 Northumberland?: 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. Northumberland's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Northumberland?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Northumberland 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 Northumberland?: HMO licence applications in Northumberland are handled by Northumberland County Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

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HMO licensing in other councils

Compare Northumberland with other areas we track.

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