New Selective Licensing Scheme proposal

Introduction

We want to ensure that private rented properties in County Durham offer our residents a choice of safe and well managed accommodation.

Our Selective Licensing Scheme, which supports this goal, started in April 2022 and ends on 31 March 2027. We are proposing to introduce a new scheme when the current scheme expires.

So, ahead of the March date, we have been doing the following:

• reviewing the evidence which supports having a selective licensing scheme in various areas across the county,
• its impact in the areas we currently operate it.

What's happening now?

To bring in a new Selective Licensing Scheme in April 2027, we must consult again on all aspects of it, including the:

• reasons why we need selective licensing
• proposed selective licensing areas
• proposed licensing fees
• proposed licence conditions

Whether you’re a landlord, tenant in the private rented sector, local resident or business, or someone else with an interest in housing, we want to hear your views on the proposals for this new scheme.

Key elements of the proposed Selective Licensing Scheme

The key elements of the new scheme beyond April 2027 are:

• 20,000 properties covering 27% of County Durham by area, and 38% of the estimated private rental sector (PRS) total meet the criteria for designating an area under selective licensing and are proposed to be included in the scheme.
• Mandatory licence application for every PRS property within the defined scheme.
• Landlords must pass a ‘fit and proper person’ test in advance of receiving a licence.
• Support for landlords to comply with the licence.
• Licence designed to promote good landlord practice and be capable of being enforced.
• Property inspection regime in place.
• Enforcement in cases where appropriate.

Proposed selective licensing areas

There are 87 areas that we propose are designated for selective licensing under the new scheme. To find out if a property will require a licence, please use our property checker. Simply type in the postcode and it will tell you the following:

• Whether the postcode will be 'Included' or 'Not included' in a designated area
• Settlement - the area the postcode is in

Full information about the proposal

Full information about the proposed Selective Licensing Scheme from April 2027, including the areas proposed to be included, can be read in the documents below:

• Evidence report for the proposed areas in County Durham

• Appendix A to the report - supplementary graphs and maps

• Appendix B to the report - proposed licence conditions

• Appendix C to the report - proposed licensing fees

• Appendix D to the report - area profiles for the proposed areas

Please submit your response by Wednesday 12 August 2026.

Equality Impact Assessment (EIA): As part of this consultation, an EIA is being developed to help inform the final decision. To read the EIA go to May's Cabinet meeting reports, agenda item 7, or for more information about EIAs generally visit our About Us page.