Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is the licensing and planning authority for Newcastle-under-Lyme. We confirm the house has the licence and planning status it needs before anything else.
We cover ST5 and the neighbouring postcodes, with the same approach in Newcastle-under-Lyme as anywhere else in Staffordshire.
HMO rules in Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council
| Rule | Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council |
|---|---|
| Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people) | In force everywhere in England |
| Additional HMO licensing | Not confirmed |
| Selective licensing | Not confirmed |
| Article 4 direction for small HMOs | Proposed The council is investigating a borough-wide direction; none in force when checked |
Checked October 2026. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is investigating a borough-wide Article 4 direction. None was in force when we checked. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. We couldn't confirm whether Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council runs additional licensing, so we check with the council for the address.
HMO maintenance and repairs for Newcastle-under-Lyme landlords
Our maintenance team covers shared houses in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across Staffordshire, carrying out planned work, repairs and void works. We log every report and agree a priority with the owner, so safety items such as fire doors, alarms and heating are dealt with ahead of routine jobs.
For HMOs in Newcastle-under-Lyme, we keep fire alarm and emergency lighting test records, certificates and repair notes in one property file, ready if the local council inspects the house or asks for evidence that the licence conditions are being met.
- Reactive repairs logged and given an agreed priority
- Planned maintenance schedule built around each house
- Gas Safe engineers and qualified electricians for safety work
- Communal area cleaning coordinated and checked
- Fire alarm and emergency lighting test records
Letting to students and sharers in Newcastle-under-Lyme
Student lets in Newcastle-under-Lyme often follow the academic year. Since 1 May 2026, Ground 4A can let a landlord of a student HMO seek possession for the summer, but only if every condition is met, including: each tenant is, or is reasonably expected to become, a full-time student; written notice was given before signing; the tenancy was signed no more than six months before move-in; the timing condition is met; and the landlord intends to re-let to students.