Stockton-On-Tees - Designation Of Areas For Selective Licensing Of Privately Rented Properties

STOCKTON-ON-TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL

Housing Act 2004 SECTIONS 80 - 84

DESIGNATION OF AREAS FOR SELECTIVE LICENSING OF PRIVATELY RENTED PROPERTIES

1. The Council of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees, in exercise of its powers under Sections 80 to 84 of the Housing Act 2004 and The Selective Licensing of Houses (Additional Conditions) (England) Order 2015 hereby designates parts of the wards of Stockton Town Centre, Ropner, Mandale & Victoria and Newtown within the County of Cleveland for the selective licensing of privately rented properties.

2. The designation does not require confirmation by the Secretary of State as it falls under a general approval issued by the Secretary of State under section 82 of the Act, namely The Housing Act 2004: Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation and The Selective Licensing of Other Residential Accommodation (England) General Approval 2015 (“the General Approval”).

3. An accurate plan of the designated areas can be viewed free of charge at: 

Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton-on-Tees. TS18 1LD (SAT NAV: TS19 1UE) between the hours of 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

4. The designation was made on 16 May 2024 and will come into effect on 1 November 2024 and shall cease to have effect on 31 October 2029.

5. The designation applies to any privately rented property that is not a licensable house in multiple occupation or subject to any statutory exemption and is occupied under a tenancy or a licence.

6. If you wish to inspect the designation, make an application for a licence or require general advice you should contact:

Private Sector Housing 16 Church Road Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1TX
Tel: 01642 527797
E-mail selectivelicensing@stockton.gov.uk

7. Any landlord, managing agent or tenant within the designation area should seek advice from the Authority to ascertain whether their property is affected by the designation.

8. Under Section 95 of the Housing Act 2004, failure to licence a property, which requires licensing by virtue of this designation, shall be liable upon summary conviction to a fine or a civil penalty (currently a maximum of £30,000). It also gives tenants and the local authority, in the case of housing benefit payments, the ability to apply to a Residential Property Tribunal under the provisions of section 96 (5) and (6) and section 97 of the Housing Act 2004 for a rent repayment order, in accordance with the provisions of those sections.

Mike Greene Chief Executive Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council