Property Licensing Check
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Council websiteLandlord licensing in North Yorkshire Council
Yorkshire and the Humber
We currently show scheme records, official links, and supporting research for this council.
Licensing scorecard
Enhanced coverageOur current data shows active local licensing signals. Verify the latest boundaries, dates, fees, and exemptions with the council.
Selective licensing
Active selectiveAdditional HMO licensing
No active additional scheme shownMandatory HMO licensing
Applies across England- Source confidence
- Medium
- Boundary confidence
- Medium
- Public register
- Not yet confirmed
- Last reviewed
- 28 March 2026
- Next review due
- Not scheduled
- Sources recorded
- 8
Our current data is a research summary, not a legal record. This should be verified with the council before letting, purchasing, refinancing, or taking legal action. Mandatory HMO licensing may still apply even where no local additional or selective scheme is recorded.
Recommended next step
Confirm the detail before you rely on it
Our current data gives a useful starting point, but the area match or scheme detail may need confirming. Verify on the official council source, or get a written check if you want a documented answer.
What still adds uncertainty
- Mandatory HMO licensing can apply based on occupancy and households, which cannot be confirmed from a postcode alone.
Buying, refinancing, or completing conveyancing? A due diligence report pulls the licensing position together with the official routes so the risk is documented before you commit. This is an information service and is not legal advice.
Verify with the council
Our current data is based on publicly available information. Always verify the latest licensing position, scheme boundaries, fees, and exemptions with North Yorkshire Council.
Council updates
Get updates for North Yorkshire Council
We will email you if North Yorkshire Council introduces, renews, or changes a licensing scheme. Free, occasional updates only. Always verify final requirements on the council website.
Free, occasional licensing updates only. You can unsubscribe at any time.
If you need more than the council page
This page may already answer a lot of the question. Use the paid products only if you want a quicker written summary, a more risk-focused view, or ongoing monitoring.
Licensing Due Diligence Report
£79 · Live now
A more tailored, more decision-oriented, and more risk-focused review for higher-stakes property decisions.
Request the reportAlerts and monitoring
£12.99/month · Coming soon
A lighter monitoring tier for selected councils or areas, aimed at landlords and smaller investors who want ongoing updates.
See alerts and monitoringThese are information services, not legal advice. Final reliance should still be checked against council sources.
Check a postcode in North Yorkshire Council
Enter a postcode to see whether it appears to fall within a licensing scheme area, then verify the result with the council.
Local licensing scheme records
Selective LicensingActive
Scarborough South Selective Licensing
Parts of the Weaponness and Ramshill ward/division in Scarborough. Covers approximately 2,725 privately rented households in the inner urban Scarborough South area. A detailed street list and interactive map are available on the council website. Approved by the Secretary of State.
- Discount available
- £50 discount for members of: National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), Eastern Landlord Association, National Approved Lettings Scheme (NALS), or Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA). £50 multiple application discount per subsequent licence application.
- Scheme period
- 1 May 2022 - 30 April 2027
- Typical licence term
- 5 years (scheme duration; licences issued for the life of the designation)
- Coverage
- Selected wards: Weaponness and Ramshill
Research notes
This scheme was designated by North Yorkshire Council from 1 May 2022 and was approved by the Secretary of State. It continues licensing activity in the Scarborough South/Weaponness area. The former Scarborough Borough Council's Scarborough North selective licensing scheme (July 2017 – June 2022) covered a different area and expired before this scheme began. Applications are made online via the Scarborough-self AchieveForms portal. A public register of licensed properties is published as a PDF on the council website, updated March 2026.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Selective LicensingActive
Scarborough Town Selective Licensing
Parts of the Castle, Falsgrave and Stepney, and Northstead divisions in Scarborough. Covers approximately 4,000 households of which around 2,250 are privately rented (approximately 56% of housing stock in the area). The scheme covers the whole of Scarborough town centre plus surrounding residential neighbourhoods, extending from North Marine Road and Trafalgar Square in the north to Westwood in the south and west along Falsgrave Road. Approved by the Secretary of State.
- Discount available
- £260 discount for properties previously licensed under Scarborough North or Scarborough Central selective licensing designations where the licence holder is the same. £50 discount for members of recognised landlord or lettings agent organisations. £50 early bird discount for applications received and fully completed by 31 August 2024 (now expired). £50 discount per additional licence application beyond the first. Multiple discounts can apply to the same application.
- Scheme period
- 1 June 2024 - 31 May 2029
- Typical licence term
- 5 years (scheme duration; licences issued for the life of the designation)
- Coverage
- Selected wards: Castle, Falsgrave and Stepney, Northstead
Research notes
This scheme replaces the former Scarborough Central selective licensing scheme (June 2019 – May 2024) operated by the former Scarborough Borough Council, and partially overlaps its area. It is a new policy for North Yorkshire Council. The scheme covers approximately 80+ streets including Aberdeen Place, Castle Road, Falsgrave Road, Market Street, and North Marine Road (full street list available on council website). Applications opened from 3 June 2024 via the Scarborough-self AchieveForms portal. A public register of licensed properties is published as a PDF on the council website, updated March 2026. The former Scarborough Central scheme covered around 1,100 properties; this new scheme covers approximately 2,250 privately rented properties.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Selective LicensingExpired
Scarborough North Selective Licensing (EXPIRED)
Covered a designated area in Scarborough North. Operated by the former Scarborough Borough Council. During its 5-year operation, 543 licences were issued covering approximately 1,200 privately rented properties. Inspections identified and resolved 808 Category 1 hazards and 5,000 other issues. Five prosecutions for failing to apply for a licence and one for breach of licensing conditions, resulting in fines totalling £35,000.
- Scheme period
- 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2022
- Typical licence term
- 5 years (scheme duration)
- Coverage
- Selected wards: Scarborough North area (former Scarborough Borough Council designation)
Research notes
Operated by former Scarborough Borough Council. Scheme expired June 2022. North Yorkshire Council's Scarborough South scheme (commencing May 2022) partially overlaps and continues licensing in related areas. The £260 discount in the current Scarborough Town scheme applies to properties previously licensed under this scheme.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Selective LicensingExpired
Scarborough Central Selective Licensing (EXPIRED)
Covered a designated central area of Scarborough. Operated by the former Scarborough Borough Council. During its 5-year operation, 506 licences were issued covering approximately 1,100 privately rented properties. Inspections identified and resolved 871 Category 1 hazards and 3,700 other issues. Four prosecutions for licensing violations and 10 formal enforcement notices.
- Scheme period
- 1 June 2019 - 31 May 2024
- Typical licence term
- 5 years (scheme duration)
- Coverage
- Selected wards: Scarborough Central area (former Scarborough Borough Council designation)
Research notes
Operated by former Scarborough Borough Council. Scheme expired 31 May 2024. Replaced by North Yorkshire Council's Scarborough Town selective licensing scheme which commenced 1 June 2024. The £260 discount in the Scarborough Town scheme applies to properties previously licensed under this scheme.
Our current data shows this scheme based on public information. Always verify the latest fees, dates, and boundary wording on the official council page.
Public licensing register
Councils must keep a public register of licensed properties. How easy it is to use varies a lot between councils.
- Public register found
- Not confirmed
- Search method
- Download a file (PDF or spreadsheet)
- Register usability
- Download only (PDF or file) (3/5)
- Register updated
- 4 March 2026
Register appears to cover
HMOSelective
Appears to cover HMO and selective licences - always confirm scope on the register itself.
Register notes
Multiple registers are published as PDF documents on the council website. For selective licensing: (1) Scarborough South public register: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-03/SL3%20Public%20Register%204%20March%202026.pdf (updated 4 March 2026, linked from the Scarborough South page). (2) Scarborough Town public register: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-03/SL4%20Public%20Register%204%20March%202026.pdf (updated 4 March 2026, linked from the Scarborough Town page). For mandatory HMO licensing: (3) Scarborough area HMO register: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-10/Houses%20in%20multiple%20occupation%20register%20as%20at%2023%20October%202025.pdf (90 KB, updated 23 October 2025). (4) Harrogate area HMO register: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/Houses%20in%20multiple%20occupation%20register%20Harrogate%20area%20-%20accessible.pdf (date from URL suggests August 2024 update). Registers for Ryedale, Selby, Hambleton, Craven, and Richmondshire areas may also exist but specific PDF URLs were not confirmed during research. No interactive online searchable register is available.
We do not yet show a direct public register link for this council.
The council register and official source pages should be treated as the source of truth. Our summary is a guide to help you find and use them, not a substitute for the live register. How public registers work.
Research summary
These public research signals help show how recently this page was reviewed and what still needs checking before you rely on it.
Last reviewed
28 March 2026
Research confidence
Medium (57/100)
Sources checked
8
Research notes
Key pages on northyorks.gov.uk were successfully fetched and verified, confirming two active selective licensing schemes with full fee structures, dates, and register URLs. Mandatory HMO licensing fee data was confirmed for Scarborough and Harrogate areas from official pages, and for Craven area from search results referencing official council information. The council's e-democracy policy document (Appendix D) provided historical context on expired schemes and scheme background. Third-party source (Kamma) corroborated main facts. The primary uncertainties are: (1) current operational status of any additional HMO licensing scheme inherited from former Scarborough Borough Council - multiple sources state North Yorkshire Council does not currently operate additional licensing, but the selective licensing policy document's exemption language implies one may exist; (2) fee details for Richmondshire, Selby, Hambleton, and Ryedale areas were not obtainable from official pages (under revision); (3) no direct email/phone for the licensing team was found on official pages.
Important to verify
- Direct contact email and phone number for housing/HMO licensing team (not published on licensing pages; contact form only)
- Additional licensing scheme status - whether former Scarborough Borough Council additional licensing scheme continues under North Yorkshire Council and its exact designation details
- Mandatory HMO licensing fees for Richmondshire, Selby, Hambleton, and Ryedale areas (pages under revision)
- Any recent council change that could affect the current public summary.
Supporting sources
- https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/selective-licensing/selective-licensing-scarborough-south
- https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/selective-licensing/selective-licensing-scarborough-town-1-june-2024
- https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/private-renting/houses-multiple-occupation/houses-multiple-occupation-scarborough
- https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/private-renting/houses-multiple-occupation/houses-multiple-occupation-harrogate-area
- https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/private-renting/houses-multiple-occupation/houses-multiple-occupation-craven-area
- https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/housing-and-homelessness/private-renting/houses-multiple-occupation/houses-multiple-occupation-richmondshire-area
Mandatory HMO licensing
All councils in England must operate mandatory HMO licensing. This applies to properties with 5 or more occupants forming 2 or more separate households, regardless of location. If your property meets these criteria, you must apply for a mandatory HMO licence from North Yorkshire Council.
Not sure whether the rules apply? Use the HMO licence checker to check whether a property may need an HMO licence, then verify the current position with North Yorkshire Council.
Council-specific HMO detail we currently show
Mandatory HMO licensing applies across the Scarborough area (formerly administered by Scarborough Borough Council) as required by the Housing Act 2004. Covers all qualifying HMOs: buildings where two or more families or individuals share basic amenities, and converted buildings with non-self-contained units occupied by 5 or more people from 2 or more households.
- Typical licence term
- 5 years
Applications are submitted online via the Scarborough-self AchieveForms portal at scarborough-self.achieveservice.com. Required documents include: gas safety certificate, electrical condition report (EICR), annual fire detection test certificate, annual fire risk assessment, and property floor plan. A public register of HMO licensed properties for the Scarborough area is published as a PDF on the council website (last updated October 2025). Fines of up to £20,000 apply for failing to licence a qualifying HMO; up to £5,000 per breach of licence conditions. An unlimited fine may be imposed under magistrates' court prosecution.
Other compliance requirements
In addition to licensing, all private landlords in England must comply with these requirements:
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) - renewed annually
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) - every 5 years
- EPC rating of E or above - required before letting
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms - checked at start of tenancy
- Deposit protection - within 30 days of receiving deposit
- Right to Rent checks - before tenancy starts
Common questions about licensing in North Yorkshire Council
- Do I need a landlord licence in North Yorkshire Council?
- North Yorkshire Council currently operates selective licensing. Whether you need a licence depends on the property location, type, and occupancy. Use the postcode checker on this page or contact the council directly to confirm.
- Does mandatory HMO licensing apply in North Yorkshire Council?
- Yes. Mandatory HMO licensing applies across all of England, including North Yorkshire Council. It covers properties with 5 or more occupiers forming 2 or more separate households. You must apply to North Yorkshire Council for a mandatory HMO licence if your property meets these criteria.
- What happens if I rent without a licence in North Yorkshire Council?
- Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to enforcement action. For offences committed on or after 1 May 2026, GOV.UK guidance refers to civil penalties of up to £40,000 for relevant offences, with different treatment for breaches and for offences committed before that date. Earlier cases may still be assessed under previous rules. Tenants or local authorities may be able to apply for a rent repayment order. GOV.UK guidance now refers to up to two years' rent for relevant offences, but eligibility, timing and the final amount depend on the facts and tribunal decision. From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used for existing or new private tenancies in England. Transitional rules may still matter for notices served before that date.
Still unsure? Choose the next step that fits you
Use these routes to move from the North Yorkshire Council summary into the most relevant next action for your property, role, or research task.
Landlord with a standard let→
Start with a postcode if you want a property-specific route before relying on the council summary alone.
Shared occupancy or possible HMO→
Use the HMO checker if occupier numbers, households, or room-sharing could change the answer.
Check if a property has an HMO licence→
Use this if you need to check whether a property holds an HMO licence, or find the council's public HMO register.
Investor, buyer, or conveyancer→
Use the due diligence guide if this council page is part of a purchase, refinance, or pre-letting review.
Letting agent or portfolio manager→
Preview the monitoring route if you need ongoing watchlists and recurring scheme-change visibility.
Understand selective licensing rules→
Read the guide if you want the broader legal background on how selective licensing works alongside this council page.
Need the area-based route→
Use the selective licensing page if the real question is whether a standard rented home sits inside a designated area.
Tenant checking landlord compliance→
Use the tenant guide if you rent a property and want to check whether your landlord holds the right licence.
Important disclaimer
This tool provides general information about landlord licensing schemes in England. Results are based on publicly available data and may not reflect recent changes. This is not legal advice. Always verify licensing requirements directly with your local council before making decisions.