A huge expansion of property licensing in Gateshead will see the number of properties covered by an existing scheme rise from 950 to 5,400, including 370 HMOs.

The announcement comes despite opposition from both local landlords and letting agents, 93% of whom said the scheme’s fees are too high.

Its neighbour, Newcastle, is already one of the country’s most expensive places for licensing schemes and Gateshead’s fee of £850 per property is 20% above the £700 national average.

High fees

And the fees for HMOs will be even higher at £976 per property although landlords will receive a £75 discount if they are a member of the local landlords’ association and agents will get a reduced fee if they belong to Safeagent’s accreditation scheme.

It’s not just the costs and the red tape; landlords are also hugely concerned that they will be responsible for any anti-social behaviour from their tenants and will face penalties if they don’t.

This, they say, is not something that is within their control. And the problem is even worse in areas where tenant turnover is high and there are fewer repercussions for bad behaviour.

The expansion of property licensing in Gateshead represents a significant change in local property regulations.”

Property licensing platform, Kamma, says: “The expansion of property licensing in Gateshead represents a significant change in local property regulations, with far-reaching implications for landlords, letting agents, and tenants.

“While the council aims to improve housing standards and community well-being, the concerns raised by landlords highlight the need for a balanced approach that considers the challenges faced by property owners.”

The ten wards that will require licensing include: Birtley, Bridges, Chopwell & Rowlands Gill, Deckham, Felling, High Fell, Lobley Hill & Bensham, Saltwell, Whickham North, Dunston & Teams.