The purpose of Selective Licensing and who it applies to
Selective licensing is introduced when the Council is satisfied that the selected area has at least one of the following issues:
- low demand
- significant or persistent problems caused by anti-social behaviour
- poor housing condition
- significant occupation of properties by migrants
- high levels of deprivation
- high levels of crime
Introducing a selective licensing scheme will help to improve these issues.
All privately rented properties within the proposed areas would need a selective licence.
Designated licence areas
The areas are Central Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown. The attached maps and lists show the exact streets affected by Selective Licensing:
The scheme was approved by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Cabinet on 16 May 2024 and will be introduced from 1 November 2024. The scheme will run for 5 years. Read the Selective Licensing Notice (PDF, 128 KB) for more information.
What if I have more than one property?
The Selective Licensing scheme requires each privately rented property within a designated area to have a licence. Consequently, if a landlord owns more than one property within a designated licensing area, they will need one licence per property.
What happens if my property should be licenced, but I don't apply for a licence?
Failure to licence your property is a criminal offence and you could be subject to prosecution. If convicted of a criminal offence, you may face an unlimited fine or as an alternative to prosecution although the matter would still be treated as a criminal offence the council may issue a Civil Penalty Notice of up to £30,000. Civil Penalties can be served on all owners and or managing agents involved in the renting of property within the designated area. The landlord or managing agent may also be banned from running a rental property.
A residential property tribunal may order a Rent Repayment Order whereby the local authority can recover any Housing Benefit paid in respect of the property during the period it was meant to be licensed and you may be ordered to repay rent paid to a tenant for up to 12 months. You would be unable to recover possession of the property using a Section 21, Housing Act 1988 notice.
What happens if I don't comply with the conditions?
Landlords who do not comply with the license conditions could get a criminal conviction upon prosecution and a possible unlimited fine per condition breached or a civil penalty of up to £30,000 per breach.
Would I be entitled to a refund if I sell the property during the scheme?
A landlord would not be entitled to a refund if they chose to sell their property during the scheme.
If my landlord fails to satisfy the licence conditions, will I have to move out of my home?
In all cases the landlord must provide you with two months' notice and obtain an order from the court requiring you to leave. If the landlord does not have this order, then they could be attempting to evict you illegally and you should contact the Council.
Contact Selective Licensing
If you have any queries or comments, contact the Selective Licensing team on:
- telephone: 01642 528444
- email: selectivelicensing@stockton.gov.uk.
- post: Selective Licensing, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Dunedin House, Columbia Drive, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6BJ
This service is available between 8:30am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Fridays.
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