South Tyneside: landlord licensing
South Tyneside does not currently run a selective or additional licensing scheme, but mandatory HMO licensing still applies. Here is the full picture.
Check a South Tyneside property
Enter your postcode for an instant scheme check, then get the property-specific report.
Check your postcode — freeFree scheme check · £9.99 for the full property report
Recently expired
Selective licensing
expiredTwo zones in South Shields: Beach Road area and the 'Long Streets' area (~3,000 PRS properties). Launched 1 Apr 2021, expired 31 Mar 2026.
- Dates
- 1 Apr 2021 – 31 Mar 2026
- Approx. fee
- £550
- Wards / areas
- Beacon and Bents
Mandatory HMO licensing (applies everywhere)
Regardless of local schemes, any property in South Tyneside let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households, who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet, needs a mandatory HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004. Licences last up to 5 years and the fee is set by the council.
Penalties for operating unlicensed
- Civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence (raised from £30,000 on 1 May 2026).
- Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months' rent, claimable by the tenant.
- Unlimited fine on criminal prosecution, plus possible banning order.
- Once the national PRS Database is live, unregistered landlords can be blocked from regaining possession.
Notes
southtyneside.gov.uk 403'd. Scheme EXPIRED 31 Mar 2026, no announced renewal; a property there likely does not currently require a selective licence. Verify with council. No additional scheme.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landlord licence in South Tyneside?
South Tyneside does not currently operate a selective or additional licensing scheme. However, mandatory HMO licensing still applies to any property let to 5 or more people forming 2 or more households and sharing facilities.
What is the penalty for an unlicensed property in South Tyneside?
Operating a licensable property without a licence can lead to a civil penalty of up to £40,000 per offence, a Rent Repayment Order of up to 24 months' rent, an unlimited fine on prosecution, and a banning order for serious or repeat offenders.
Does your property need a licence?
Get a property-specific licence report in seconds.
Check your postcode — freeFree scheme check · £9.99 for the full property report
Data verified against council sources as of July 2026. PRSCheck is an information service, not legal advice. Many schemes are designated at street or part-ward level; confirm the exact boundary for your address with the council before relying on this page. Browse all councils.