Massive new rental regulations by council that pioneered licensing

One of the first councils in the UK to introduce selective licensing has agreed a new and much-expanded licensing regime.

Gateshead local authority introduced its first selective licensing back in 2017 and claims that since then it has been “ensuring private rented homes are safe, warm and well-managed, and addressing issues such as poverty, poor housing conditions and overcrowding” as well as supporting “tenants with mental health issues, improving access to specialist services and helping wider communities by tackling issues relating to anti-social behaviour and crime.”

Now new arrangements are being introduced in two phases. 

From June 1, licences will be required in areas of central Gateshead, Birtley, Chopwell and High Fell, as well as for three- or four-person shared HMOs throughout existing designated areas. 

From October 1, the scheme will expand again to cover additional areas of central Gateshead, Felling and Swalwell.

The new areas, which include no fewer than 5,391 additional addresses, have been selected due to what the council calls ‘issues relating to deprivation, anti-social behaviour and the level of private rental housing that needs improvement.”