Do I need an HMO licence in Stockton-on-Tees?

Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Stockton-on-Tees 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.

How many tenants make a property an HMO in Stockton-on-Tees?

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. Stockton-on-Tees's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.

What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Stockton-on-Tees?

Letting an unlicensed HMO in Stockton-on-Tees 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 Stockton-on-Tees?

HMO licence applications in Stockton-on-Tees are handled by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Use the official scheme links above for the current rules and the application route.

Stockton-on-Tees HMO licensing guide

Stockton-on-Tees HMO licence — do you need one?

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

Which licence do you need in Stockton-on-Tees?

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

Active and upcoming schemes

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

SelectiveEffective: In force from 1 November 2024 for 5 years (approved by Cabinet 16 May 2024)

Stockton-on-Tees Selective Licensing Scheme (Central Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown)

All privately rented properties in the three designated areas (Central Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown) need a selective licence, with one licence per property. The scheme was approved by Cabinet on 16 May 2024, and the council's page says it runs for 5 years.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Stockton-on-Tees-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 Stockton-on-Tees — FAQ

Do I need an HMO licence in Stockton-on-Tees?: Possibly. On top of the national mandatory HMO licence, Stockton-on-Tees 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 Stockton-on-Tees?: Stockton-on-Tees has one scheme in force on our register: Stockton-on-Tees Selective Licensing Scheme (Central Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown) (from In force from 1 November 2024 for 5 years (approved by Cabinet 16 May 2024)). 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 Stockton-on-Tees?: 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. Stockton-on-Tees's own scheme(s) can set a lower threshold — see the schemes listed above.
What's the penalty for an unlicensed HMO in Stockton-on-Tees?: Letting an unlicensed HMO in Stockton-on-Tees 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 Stockton-on-Tees?: HMO licence applications in Stockton-on-Tees are handled by Stockton-on-Tees Borough 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 Stockton-on-Tees schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council before letting or applying for a licence.