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Sunderland Landlord Compliance
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Licensing and accreditation

Landlord Licensing and Accreditation in the North East

Several North East councils operate selective licensing schemes. Where a scheme applies, every private rented property in the designated area needs a licence, and the council will expect to see current safety evidence. Sunderland runs a voluntary accreditation scheme instead. Either way, the evidence pack is broadly the same. We supply it.

Last reviewed: August 2026

01

Where licensing applies

Gateshead

Current position

Selective licensing has operated since 2007. A designation approved in February 2025 covers 16 neighbourhoods across two phases, including central Gateshead, Birtley, Chopwell, High Fell, Felling and Swalwell, plus three and four person shared houses in existing areas. Around 5,391 addresses.

What the council expects to see

EICR, gas safety certificate, evidence of property condition and management.

Newcastle

Current position

Seven selective licensing areas already operate. A new designation runs from 30 September 2026 to 29 September 2031 covering Benwell and Scotswood, Byker and Elswick. Additional HMO licensing runs to April 2030 in areas including Arthur's Hill.

What the council expects to see

EICR, gas safety certificate, fit and proper person declaration, property standards evidence.

Durham

Current position

A scheme has run since April 2022 and is due to expire on 31 March 2027. The council has consulted on continuing it, with a proposed scheme covering an estimated 20,000 properties.

What the council expects to see

EICR, gas safety certificate, property condition evidence.

Sunderland

Current position

No selective licensing. The council runs a free voluntary Accredited Landlord Service.

What the council expects to see

EICR, CP12, EPC, buildings insurance, no category 1 HHSRS hazards, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, door and window security.

North Tyneside and South Tyneside

Current position

No borough wide selective licensing scheme currently in force. Mandatory HMO licensing applies everywhere in England.

What the council expects to see

Mandatory HMO licensing evidence where the property is a licensable HMO.

Position checked August 2026. Schemes change. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant council before applying.

02

What we supply

01

Certificates

EICR, gas safety CP12, EPC.

02

Assessment

HHSRS survey, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm check record.

03

Remedial works

Door and window security, window restrictors, detector installation, loft insulation and draught proofing. Photographic proof of completion on every job.

Prices are published separately on the price guide.

03

Why timing matters

Enforcement activity is heaviest in the first few months after a scheme goes live. Landlords who gather evidence before the designation date apply from a position of compliance rather than catching up under pressure. If your property sits in a designated area, the certificates are needed either way.

Sunderland Landlord Compliance is an independent compliance services provider. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any local authority. Licensing and accreditation decisions are made solely by the relevant council.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Licensing applies by designated area, not by council, so check your specific address with the local authority before assuming either way.

It is a criminal offence under the Housing Act 2004. Councils can issue civil penalties or prosecute, and a rent repayment order may be made.

No. The national database created by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 sits alongside local licensing and accreditation. Both apply.

No. It is a free voluntary scheme run by Sunderland City Council.

We supply the compliance evidence. The application is made by the landlord or their agent directly to the council.

Yes. We work across Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland.

Areas covered

Serving Sunderland and the wider North East

Sunderland Landlord Compliance supports landlords, letting agents, homeowners and property managers across the North East, including:

SunderlandWashingtonHoughton-le-SpringSeahamSouth ShieldsGatesheadNewcastleDurhamand surrounding areas

Related services

Coordinate the rest of your compliance with SLC

Next step

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