Middlesbrough HMO Register — How to Check Licensed Properties

Tenants, prospective buyers, and mortgage lenders sometimes need to confirm whether a property in Middlesbrough holds a valid HMO or selective licence. Middlesbrough Council publishes limited selective-licensing register information online and can provide further information on request.

The Online Register Is Limited

Under Section 232 of the Housing Act 2004, Middlesbrough Council is required to maintain a public register of licensed properties, temporary exemption notices, and management orders. The council's selective-licensing page links to online Newport 1 and Newport 2 property lists and says those registers are updated monthly. The council can provide further register information on request.

The online lists are limited. For further information, the register is available for inspection or inquiry in these ways:

• In person at the Public Protection Service, located at the Newport Settlement Hub, St Paul's Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5NQ
• By phone to the Private Sector Housing Team on 01642 728100

The council's published policy says the register includes a licensed property's address and other relevant details, subject to data-protection restrictions. The public online lists do not necessarily show every detail held by the council.

What the Register Shows

The council says the register covers licensed properties, current temporary exemption notices, and management orders. Its published policy says property addresses and other relevant details are included, subject to data-protection restrictions. Since the selective registers are updated monthly, a missing online entry is a reason to check directly with the council rather than assume the property's status.

Why It Matters

For tenants: if your landlord claims the property is licensed but you cannot verify this, you can contact the Private Sector Housing Team to check. If the property turns out to be unlicensed, you may be able to apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a rent repayment order of up to 24 months' gross rent.

For landlords: the register is a useful way to check a property's recorded licensing status. If you are buying a rental property in Newport, check with the council before completion — the seller's licence is non-transferable, and you must apply for a new one.

For mortgage lenders: some buy-to-let mortgage conditions require confirmation of licensing status. The council's register is the authoritative source.

The Data.gov.uk Listing

There is a metadata record for Middlesbrough's HMO register on data.gov.uk, but it links to a static, non-searchable dataset that is not kept current. Do not rely on it for up-to-date licensing status — contact the council directly.

Our Middlesbrough Landlord Licensing guide covers the full licensing landscape, including how to confirm your property's status and what to do if you discover you need a licence.

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