The selective landlord licensing scheme currently runs in North Ormesby and part of Newport ward, to help improve standards of accommodation, and social and economic conditions.
Selective landlord licensing scheme
About the selective landlord licensing scheme
Selective licensing is a scheme which aims to improve the standards of property management in the private rental sector.
Under the Housing Act 2004, Part 3 (Selective Licensing of other Residential Accommodation), all private landlords operating within the designated area are required to obtain a license from the council for each property which is rented out. The conditions of the license ensure that the property is managed effectively, and license holders will have to demonstrate their compliance.
When applying, proposed license holders and managers will be required to prove that they are 'fit and proper persons' to hold a license, and that they have satisfactory management arrangements in place, including for dealing with anti-social behaviour.
When deciding whether a landlord and/or managing agent is 'fit and proper' the council will look at whether they have ever:
- discriminated illegally against anyone
- breached laws relating to renting property
- committed any serious criminal offences (fraud, violence, drugs, or sexual offences)
A license is valid for a maximum of 5 years and will cease to be valid on the specified date. Failing to apply for a license could lead to prosecution and an unlimited fine. If prosecuted, this could lead to the license holder no longer being classed as 'fit and proper'.
Documents
Newport selective landlord licensing area designation public notice and Newport sealed order - March 2019
Newport 2 selective landlord licensing area designation public notice and Newport 2 sealed order - March 2023
If you're struggling to view the documents, you can see the designation at Newport Settlement Hub, St Paul's Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5NQ.
North Ormesby selective landlord licensing area designation public notice (PDF) and North Ormesby sealed order (PDF) - March 2021
If you're struggling to view the documents, you can see the designation at North Ormesby Hub, Derwent Street, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6JB.
The selective licensing areas
The selective landlord licensing scheme currently runs in North Ormesby and part of Newport ward, to help improve standards of accommodation, and social and economic conditions. Evidence shows that significant and ongoing anti-social behaviour and low demand for housing are linked to the private rental sector in North Ormesby and Newport.
View a map of the area covered by the North Ormesby scheme.
View a map of the area covered by the Newport scheme.
View a map of the area covered by the Newport 2 scheme.
| Newport | Newport 2 | North Ormesby |
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Albany Street Aske Road Athol Street Bow Street Cadogan Street Clifton Street Cobham Street Colville Street Craven Street Diamond Road Enfield Street Falkland Street Faraday Street Finsbury Street Garnet Street Glebe Road Gresham Road Harewood Street Howe Street Linthorpe Road Lonsdale Street Lovaine Street Outram Street Palmer Street Parliament Road Peel Street Pelham Street Percy Street Portman Street Princes Road Romney Street Ross Street Selbourne Street St Aidans Street Stowe Street Tennyson Street Union Street Wentworth Street Wylam Street |
Aire Street Alwent Road Ammerston Road Annie Street Ayresome Street Ayresome Green Lane Beaufort Street Bowley walk Calthorpe Court Carey Close Carlow Street Charlie Woods Way Chester Street Costa Street Crescent Road Derwent Street Donegal Terrace Eshwood Square Essex Street Fallows Court Faverdale Close Fleetham Street Foxheads Court Garrett Walk Gough Close Greta Street Harford Street Hornby Close Howard Street Ketton Row Ketton Way Kildare Street Lamport Street Laycock Street Lees Road Leinster Road Leven Street Linthorpe Road (Parkview Flats only) Longford Street Lorne Street Meath Street Mills Street Neesham Road Newport Road Newport Terrace Nugent Avenue Orwell Street Oxford Street Petch Close Salisbury Court Southwell Court St Albans Court St Paul's Road Surrey Street Tear Close Union Court Victoria Street Warwick Street Waterford Terrace Wembley Street Wesley Row Wicklow Street Worcester Street |
Allinson Street Alphonsus Street Basil Street Beaumont Road Benedict Street Bristow Street Cadogan Street Calvert Close Church Walk Coltman Street Constance Street Conyers Way Coronation Street Deacon Street De Brus Court Derwent Street Dorothy Street Edward Street Elizabeth Terrace Esk Street Forum Court Frederick Street Grove Road Hankin Road Harrison Street Henry Street Herbert Street Hovingham Street James Street Jefferson Street Jubilee Street Kildale Court Kindersley Street Kings Road Kreuger Alley Livingstone Road Longlands Road Macbean Street Magdalen Street Maltby Street Margaret Street Maria Street Market Place Market Walk McCreton Street Millfield Road Moses Street Mosman Terrace Norcliffe Street Oakfield Road Orme Court Peaton Street Pilkington Street Ryedale Street Sadberge Street Saxon Close Sharrock Close South View Terrace Stainton Street Thomas Street Thornton Street Trinity Mews Tunstall Street Veronica Street Wake Street Warton Street West Terrace Westbourne Grove White Street |
Who needs a license?
Anyone who manages or controls residential property in the designated area of North Ormesby or the designated area of Newport, which is rented out privately, needs a license.
Temporary exemption from licensing requirement
This section applies where a person having control of or managing a Part 3 house which is required to be licensed under this Part (see section 85(1)) but is not so licensed, notifies the local housing authority of his intention to take particular steps with a view to securing that the house is no longer required to be licensed.
To apply for a temporary exemption notice (TEN), please complete the TEN application form (DOC).
When is a license not needed?
Properties exempt from requiring a licence are those that are:
- Subject to a Prohibition Order, under Section 20 of the Housing Act 2004, that has not been suspended
- Business premises
- Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) that require a statutory HMO licence
- Tenancies for agricultural land/holdings
- Controlled by a local housing authority, police authority, fire and rescue authority, or a health service body
- Occupied solely by students undertaking a full-time course of further or higher education, and where the person managing or in control of it is the educational establishment
- Tenancies granted for more than 21 years and the agreement does not allow the landlord to end the tenancy earlier than the term of the lease (the property must be occupied by the original person who was granted the tenancy or members of their family)
- The tenant is a member of the landlord's family. (The house must be the occupier's main residence. The person granting the occupancy must be the freeholder or leaseholder, which is for a period of more than 21 years. This lease must not contain a provision allowing the landlord to end the tenancy earlier than the term of the lease).
- Tenancies or licences granted for the occupancy of a holiday home
- Accommodation that the occupier shares with the landlord or licensor, or a member of the landlord or licensor's family
Read more about selective licensing exemption regulations.
How can I apply for a license?
License applications can be made online. Complete the online selective landlord licensing application.
For Newport the fee is £730, and for North Ormesby the fee is £745. There's also an additional £20 one-off charge for the fit and proper person test fee.
For Newport 2, the fee will be £836. There's also an additional £20 one-off charge for the fit and proper person test fee.
Please note, the Newport 2 scheme does not come into force until 3 July 2023. Do not try and apply for a licence before this date. To see if your property is covered by the 'Newport' or 'Newport 2' scheme, you can see a map and list of streets under 'The selective licensing areas' above.
Licenses are non-transferable, and fees paid are non-refundable.
Applicants should read the guide to making a license application before completing their form.
If a license holder needs to alter the terms of their license, they can apply for a variation to the license. Please submit your request, with reasons, to selectivelandlordlicensing@middlesbrough.gov.uk. Variation applications are free.
Licence conditions
Schedule 1 - mandatory conditions
Gas
If gas is supplied to the house, the licence holder shall provide to the council a Gas Safety Certificate issued within the previous 12 months at the time of the application and thereafter annually.
Electrical installation
The licence holder is required to ensure that every electrical installation in the house is in proper working order and safe for continued use; and to supply the council, on demand, with a declaration by him as to the safety of such installations.
Electrical appliances
The licence holder shall keep all electrical appliances and furniture supplied in a safe condition and must provide a declaration as to their safety at the time of application and thereafter on demand.
Furniture and furnishings
The licence holder shall ensure that furniture and furnishings supplied by them are compliant with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended 1989 and 1993) and must provide a declaration as to their safety at the time of application and thereafter on demand.
Smoke alarms
The licence holder is required to ensure that a smoke alarm is installed on each storey of the house on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation and to keep any such alarm in proper working order.
The licence holder is required upon demand by Middlesbrough Council to supply a declaration as to the condition and positioning of such alarms.
Tenant references
The licence holder must demand and obtain references for all prospective occupiers of the house to enable the licence holder to make an informed decision regarding occupancy of the property.
All references shall be obtained by the licence holder via the free Middlesbrough Council tenant referencing service.
The licence holder must retain all references obtained for occupiers for the duration of this licence and must provide Middlesbrough Council, upon demand and within 14 days of that demand, a copy of pre-let reference checks along with full names and dates of birth of each occupant.
Terms of occupation
The licence holder shall supply to the occupiers of the house a written statement of the terms on which they occupy the property. A copy of the terms will be provided to the council on demand.
Carbon Monoxide
The licence holder is required to ensure that a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in any room in the house which is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance, and to keep any such alarm in proper working order.
The licence holder is required upon demand by Middlesbrough Council to supply a declaration as to the condition and positing of such alarms
Schedule 2 - other conditions
General / property management
The licence holder shall ensure that:
- All repairs to the house or any installations, facilities or equipment within it are carried out by competent and suitably qualified person(s), for example Gas Safe registered operatives for gas appliances and an electrical contractor who is a member of an approved scheme, such as NICEIC, BSI, NAPIT, ELECSA or BRE.
- All occupants of the house receive written confirmation detailing arrangements in place to deal with repairs and emergencies.
- If the property is provided with electrical appliances, copies of user manuals will be supplied to the tenant.
- All occupiers are made aware of the licence and its conditions.
Security
The licence holder shall ensure that:
- Where alley gates are installed to the rear of the licensed property, tenants are made aware of how to obtain a key.
External areas, refuse and waste
The licence holder shall ensure that:
- The tenants are instructed in their responsibilities in respect of refuse storage and disposal, to include details of what day refuse collections take place and what type of receptacle to use for household waste and recycling;
Training
The licence holder and/or Manager shall undertake property management training courses or information days, where required to do so by the council.
Management / anti-social behaviour
The licence holder shall take reasonable and practical steps to reduce or prevent anti-social behaviour by persons occupying or visiting the house and the use of premises for illegal purposes.
The licence holder shall:
- Provide a written action plan to Middlesbrough Council outlining procedures for dealing with anti-social behaviour at the time of application. This must be reviewed annually, tenants made aware of it and submitted on request;
- Provide the council, upon request, the full names and dates of birth of each occupant of the property;
- Cooperate with Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Police and other agencies in resolving complaints of anti-social behaviour or criminal activity. The licence holder and/or their nominated Managing Agent must not ignore or fail to take action against any complaints regarding their tenants. Written records of action taken, shall be maintained and made available for inspection by an authorised officer of Middlesbrough Council on request;
- Ensure that the appropriate authorities (namely Middlesbrough Council and Cleveland Police) are informed, where they have reason to believe that their tenant's behaviour involves criminal activity;
- Make regular (at least quarterly) inspections of the property to ensure that the property is in a good state of repair and that the occupiers are not in breach of tenancy terms and conditions. Written records of inspections made, conditions noted and actions taken as a result shall be maintained and made available for inspection by an authorised officer of Middlesbrough Council;
- Ensure that each tenant is made aware that they are responsible for their own behaviour and the behaviour of other occupiers and visitors.
- The name and contact details of the licence holder and/or manager must be supplied to each occupier and must also be on display in a prominent place.
- Produce on request liability insurance.
Notification / consultation of changes
The licence holder and managing agent shall consult with Middlesbrough Council before making any material changes to the layout, amenity provision, fire precautions or occupation of the house. They must also inform Middlesbrough Council of:
- Details of any convictions not previously disclosed to the council that may be relevant to the licence holder and/or the property manager and their fit and proper person status and in particular any such conviction in respect of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty, or violence or drugs or any offence listed in Schedule 3 to the Sexual Offences Act 2003;
- Details of any finding by a court or tribunal, not previously disclosed, against the licence holder and /or the manager that he/she has on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age, race, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, maternity, or disability in, or in connection with, the carrying on of any business;
- Details of any contravention, not previously disclosed, on the part of the licence holder or manager of any provision of any enactment relating to housing, public health, environmental health or landlord and tenant law which led to civil or criminal proceedings resulting in a judgment or finding being made against him/her;
- Information about any property, not previously disclosed, the licence holder or manager owns or manages or has owned or managed for which a local housing authority has refused to grant a licence under Part 2 or 3 of the Act, or has revoked a licence in consequence of the licence holder breaching the conditions of his/her licence;
- Information about any property, not previously disclosed, the licence holder or manager owns or manages or has owned or managed that has been the subject of an Interim or Final Management Order under the Housing Act 2004;
- Notification of repossession/foreclosure;
- Successful claims against the licence holder for default of tenancy deposits;
- Change in managing agent or the instruction of a managing agent;
- The undertaking of substantial works to the property, including conversions and modernisations or emergency problems relating to fire, flood or disaster and the tenants are made temporarily homeless.
Absence
The licence holder shall have in place suitable emergency and other management arrangements in the event of their absence.
Compliance inspections
The licence holder shall allow the council to undertake Licence compliance checks. Council officers will give the licence holder at least 24 hours’ notice of these checks and produce valid authorisation at the time of the visit.
Tenant referencing service
The tenant referencing service offers a free service to member landlords which allows them to make informed choices about prospective tenants when letting properties in the selective licensing area.
Benefits of membership
- Two stage robust referencing service for potential tenants (find out more below)
- Support from the Neighbourhood Safety Team to help tackle tenants responsible for anti-social behaviour and breaches of the tenancy agreement
Landlord sign up
You can complete the landlord membership form online.
If you have any queries about the tenant referencing service please contact the Selective Landlord Licensing Team on 01642 728100.
Tenant request a referencing check
You can complete the tenant application form online.
If you have any queries about the tenant referencing service please contact the Selective Landlord Licensing Team on 01642 728100.
More information about the tenant referencing service
Types of referencing
Basic ASB check and current tenancy check reference - returned within 1 to 2 days
-
We will check for any reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB), noise nuisance, property damage, property breaches, and environmental health issues, relating to the applicant, their dependants, or the person making the tenancy application, or against any addresses linked to the applicant.
Previous 3 year reference - returned within 3 to 5 days
-
We will check the tenant's housing history for the past three years using our records, our partner's records, and those of any current and previous landlords. These records may include, but not be limited to, any complaints of anti-social behaviour (ASB), domestic violence, rent arrears, damage to property, abandonment of property, breach of tenancy conditions, court orders, environmental health actions/enforcement actions, illegal use of property, and / or criminal behaviour which is deemed to be relevant to tenancy management.
The traffic light system
A traffic light system is used to explain the results of the reference check. This lets landlords make an informed choice about whether or not to allocate a tenancy.
- Green: identifies no issues.
- Amber: may indicate that there has been no previous tenancy held, or there may have been some minor tenancy issues or rent arrears.
- Red: indicates evidence of eviction, anti-social behaviour, or high rent arrears.
Support available in Selective Licensing areas
Tenancy Relations Officers provide support to both landlords and tenants in selective licensing areas.
While we acknowledge that people need somewhere to live, we would advise that a package of support be put in place if landlords are going to rehouse a 'red' client. This is to prevent any repetition of previous issues and assist in sustaining the new tenancy. Tenancy Relations Officers can recommend various support agencies to landlords seeking advice regarding their tenants.
If there are any complaints of anti-social behaviour, Neighbourhood Safety Officers will support the landlord to resolve the issues. The landlord will be contacted by a Neighbourhood Safety Officer who will discuss the concerns and conduct joint visits, and provide copies of any warning letters sent to the tenant(s). The landlord will also be invited to any interviews where necessary. Should issues of anti-social behaviour persist then help can be given with preparing and serving a notice of seeking possession if appropriate. More information about anti-social behaviour can be found on the anti-social behaviour page.
Incentives
Up to date information regarding the new 'Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations' can be found on the GOV.UK website. Cleveland Fire Brigade can also provide free home fire safety checks, free fire alarm installation, and carbon monoxide monitors. More information can be found on the Cleveland Fire Brigade Website.
Public access property register
By law Middlesbrough Council has to keep a register of:
- licensed properties
- temporary exemption notices issued (relating to property licensing)
- management orders
Licences and exemptions issued
Benefits of the selective licensing scheme
The scheme has a number of benefits to the community, landlords, tenants, and owners, including:
- improving the management and condition of privately rented accommodation
- support for landlords dealing with anti-social tenants
- reduced levels of anti-social behaviour
- educating tenants about their responsibilities and the impact of their behaviour on their community and neighbours
- encouraging tenants to recognise when properties are of a sub-standard condition and what options are available to them
- improving the image and desirability of the area
- protecting investment in the area
- encouraging landlords not to take tenants with a poor reference
- free Tenancy Referencing Service
- free advertising of empty properties
- landlord and tenant support from the Tenancy Relations Officer
Inspection programme
The council will inspect all privately rented properties within the designated area. The inspection programme will check for compliance with selective licensing conditions.
Both inspections and follow-up actions will be led by a multi-agency team which may include Environmental Health Officers, Selective Licensing Officers, Neighbourhood Safety Officers, and a Tenancy Relations Officer.
This approach ensures that as well as checking compliance with the license conditions, landlords and tenants are helped and supported with any issues they're facing. These may include unemployment; anti-social behaviour; lack of independent living skills; tenancy management; health issues; lack of parenting skills, or substance misuse. The team will make referrals to relevant agencies and follow up any actions to ensure as much support as possible is given to the tenant and landlord.
Information for landlords
SLL application
Alongside your SLL application, you'll need to provide the following documents for each property you're renting out:
- Electrical appliance and furniture safety declaration
- 'How to Rent' guide which will be issued to tenant(s)
- Valid gas safety certificate
- Valid tenancy agreement
- Anti-social behaviour plan
You'll also need to provide photographic proof of ID when you apply.
Anti-social behaviour
- Anti-social behaviour
- Neighbourhood safety team
- Recycling and rubbish - including bin collection dates, details of when and how to present refuse, and how to recycle.
EPC certificate
As a landlord, you should have an up to date EPC certificate of Grade E or above. This is not enforced by the Selective Licensing team, but would be checked and passed to the Public Protection team to enforce. Read more about the minimum energy efficiency standard for domestic private rented properties.
Electrical safety
You can find information about electrical safety standards in the private rented sector on GOV.UK. This is enforced by the Public Protection team, not the Selective Licensing team.
Landlord professional associations
Renting
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System
- 'Right to Rent' check
- Renting your property guidance (general)
- Renting your property guidance (making repairs)
- 'How to rent' guide
Support for tenants and families
Tenancy Referencing Service
Information for tenants
Properties for rent in the Newport selective landlord licensing area
Properties for rent in the North Ormesby selective landlord licensing area
Anti-social behaviour
- Anti-social behaviour
- Report fly tipping
- Neighbourhood safety team
- Recycling and rubbish - including bin collection dates, details of when and how to present refuse, and how to recycle.
Housing support
- Health and safety standards for rented homes (HHSRS)
- Housing benefit
- 'How to rent' guide
- Rent arrears
- Unlawful evictions
Money support
Support for families
More information and contact us
The policies and procedures that will be applied for the purpose of operating the scheme have been set out in the selective landlord licensing policy and procedure document (PDF).
For more information about the selective landlord licensing scheme, please contact:
Selective Licensing
Phone: 01642 728100
Email: SelectiveLandlordLicensing@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Newsletters and performance data (Newport)
Please see our updates:
Newsletters and performance data (North Ormesby)
The selective licensing scheme in the designated area of North Ormesby is showing positive results for landlords, tenants, and the area itself.
Please see our updates:
- Newsletters
- Testimonials