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17/12/25 3:30 pm
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Durham selective licensing is a property licensing scheme implemented by Durham County Council to regulate privately rented homes in specific designated areas. Under this scheme, landlords are required to apply for and hold a valid licence to legally rent out their properties where the scheme applies. The goal is to make sure that rental properties meet certain standards and are managed responsibly.
Any landlord renting out property within a designated selective licensing area in County Durham is typically required to hold a valid licence — regardless of the type of property or the number of tenants. Exemptions may apply in certain cases, but these are limited and clearly defined.
The scheme applies to a substantial portion of the county’s private rented sector and operates under the powers granted by the Housing Act 2004, aiming to address specific local housing challenges.
Selective licensing is designed to:
Local authorities, such as Durham County Council, put these schemes in place where evidence shows issues such as crime, low housing demand, or substandard rental properties.
Durham County Council provides clear tools and resources for landlords to check if their property falls within a selective licensing area. These include:
To check your property’s status or start an application, you can visit the council’s official licensing portal:
Durham property licensing portal.
Additionally, landlords can review the public register of licensed properties to confirm compliance or learn more about properties already part of the scheme.
Applying for a selective licence in Durham requires landlords to meet specific conditions, ensuring their properties meet safety and management standards:
These conditions are outlined in Durham County Council’s detailed Selective Licensing Conditions, which landlords should carefully review before applying.
Durham County Council sets its licensing fees, typically broken into two parts: an initial administrative fee at application and a second instalment upon granting the licence. These fees are clearly outlined on the council portal.
Across the North East, selective licensing fees often range between £500 and £600 per property, making it essential for landlords to budget accordingly. Failure to pay may delay or invalidate licence applications.
Failing to comply with selective licensing requirements can lead to serious consequences for landlords, including:
In Durham, enforcement has been active, with landlords facing hefty fines for non-compliance. For example, one landlord was recently ordered to pay over £15,000 in fines and costs for failing to meet licensing requirements.
Here’s what you can do to guarantee compliance:
You only need a licence if your property is located in a designated selective licensing area. Properties outside these zones are typically exempt from this specific requirement, but landlords should check for any other licensing obligations.
Letting a property without the required licence can result in penalties of up to £30,000, prosecution, or rent repayment orders. Durham County Council actively enforces its scheme, so non-compliance carries significant risks.
Selective licences typically last for a fixed period of five years, provided landlords continue to meet licensing terms and conditions.
No, selective licences are non-transferable, meaning if a property is sold or transferred, the new landlord must apply for a new licence if the property is rented and still within a designated area.
Landlords will need safety certificates (e.g., gas and electrical), a current EPC, tenancy agreements, and evidence of compliance with property management standards. Full details are on the licensing portal.
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