Antrim and Newtownabbey: landlord licensing
Antrim and Newtownabbey cannot run a selective or additional licensing scheme: those powers come from the Housing Act 2004, which extends to England and Wales only. Here is what applies instead.
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HMO licensing in Northern Ireland
Councils in Northern Ireland cannot run selective or additional licensing, but an HMO licence is needed where a property in Antrim and Newtownabbey is occupied by 3 or more people forming more than two households, under the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. That is a lower threshold than England's 5 people in 2 households. Licensing for all 11 councils is administered by the NIHMO Unit at Belfast City Council, and landlords must also join the landlord registration scheme.
Penalties for operating unlicensed
- £5,000 fixed penalty, or a fine of up to £20,000 on summary conviction, for an unlicensed HMO.
- Up to £10,000 for breaching licence conditions.
- Failing to register as a landlord carries a £500 fixed penalty, or a court fine of up to £2,500.
Notes
No council in Northern Ireland can run selective or additional licensing, because the Housing Act 2004 does not extend there. Landlords must join the landlord registration scheme, and an HMO housing more than two households needs a licence from the NIHMO Unit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landlord licence in Antrim and Newtownabbey?
Antrim and Newtownabbey cannot operate a selective or additional licensing scheme, because the Housing Act 2004 that creates those powers extends to England and Wales only. Instead, landlords must join the landlord registration scheme, and an HMO housing more than two households needs a licence from the NIHMO Unit at Belfast City Council, which administers licensing for all 11 councils.
What is the penalty for an unlicensed property in Antrim and Newtownabbey?
Operating an unlicensed HMO can lead to a £5,000 fixed penalty or a fine of up to £20,000 on summary conviction, with up to £10,000 for breaching licence conditions. Failing to register as a landlord carries a £500 fixed penalty or a court fine up to £2,500.
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🏛️ Government-backed data: built from official local authority licensing designations, ONS council boundaries and UK housing legislation (Housing Act 2004), verified as of July 2026. PRSCheck is an information service, not legal advice. Many schemes are designated at street or part-ward level; the paid report confirms the exact boundary and official source for your address. Browse all councils.