Verified · 1 August 2026
County Durham: landlord licensing, explained and verified
Every English council sets its own additional and selective licensing on top of the national HMO rules. This is the current position in County Durham, verified on 1 August 2026. Check any postcode free in 10 seconds with the licence checker.
Mandatory HMO licensing in County Durham
The national rule applies everywhere in England: a house in multiple occupation with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more households must be licensed. In County Durham, the standard licence fee is around £1050. Letting a licensable HMO without a licence risks a civil penalty of up to £30,000 or an unlimited fine.
Additional licensing in County Durham
County Durham currently has no additional licensing scheme on record. Only the national mandatory HMO rules apply to shared houses. Councils can designate new schemes after consultation, so this can change.
Selective licensing in County Durham
County Durham runs selective licensing, which covers all privately rented homes in the designated area, regardless of size or occupancy. The scheme runs 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2027, fee from £585. Area: Designated areas across County Durham (e.g., 103 areas/over 50 wards). A single rented flat or house inside the area needs a licence.
Upcoming licensing changes in County Durham
The current selective licensing scheme is due to expire on 31/03/2027. An Article 4 Direction for HMOs will come into force on 17/08/2026 for the whole of County Durham (excluding areas already covered by existing Article 4s).
What getting it wrong costs
Letting an unlicensed property that needed a licence carries civil penalties of up to £30,000 per property (up to £40,000 for some offences under the Renters’ Rights Act), rent repayment orders of up to 24 months of rent, and you cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice while unlicensed. “I didn’t know” is not a defence.
How fresh is this page?
This page was last verified on 1 August 2026, and we keep it current as schemes and fees change. Rules and fees change (most councils revise fees each April), so always confirm with the council directly before applying.
Licensing in other councils
Every English council sets its own schemes. Colchester · Cornwall · Cotswold · Coventry · Crawley · Croydon · or browse all councils A to Z.
Letting in County Durham? Know where every property stands.
SUCASA tracks licensing, gas, EICR, EPC, alarms and deposit protection per property, alerts you before anything expires, and warns you when County Durham changes its rules. Free for your first property.
Check what your properties needFAQ
Do I need an HMO licence in County Durham?
Any HMO with 5+ occupants forming 2+ households needs a mandatory licence. County Durham has no additional licensing scheme on record, so smaller HMOs do not currently need a local licence.
Does County Durham have selective licensing?
Yes. Selective licensing covers all privately rented homes in the designated area, currently running until 31/03/2027. Check whether your property's ward is inside the designation.
How much is an HMO licence in County Durham?
The standard mandatory HMO licence fee in County Durham is around £1050. Fees are often multi-part or per-bedroom and usually change each April, so confirm on the council page before applying.
How is this information kept up to date?
This data was last verified on 1 August 2026, and we keep it current as schemes and fees change. Landlords on SUCASA get alerted the moment rules change.