Gosforth landlord fined £70,000 for ignoring selective licensing, twice

A landlord based in Gosforth, Newcastle, was ordered to pay more than £70,000 in fines and costs after being convicted twice in a single year for failing to obtain selective licences for properties in Blackhall Colliery, County Durham.

Peterlee Magistrates Court heard that Kamran Adil had been fined over £45,000 in April for failing to licence eight properties. Just months later, he was back in court for a further six unlicensed properties, this time receiving an £18,000 fine plus £7,200 in victim surcharges and costs.

The court heard that Adil had confirmed during an interview with enforcement officers that he understood his legal obligations and would apply for licences. He never did.

What this means for landlords

Selective licensing schemes now operate in dozens of areas across England. The penalties for non-compliance are not theoretical. They are being actively enforced. In areas where selective licensing is in force, every privately rented property requires a licence regardless of its size or type.

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, maximum civil penalties have increased to £40,000 per offence, and rent repayment orders now cover up to two years of rent. A landlord with multiple unlicensed properties could face six-figure exposure from a single enforcement action.

If you are unsure whether your area has a selective licensing scheme, check with your local council. The cost of a licence, typically £750 to £1,500, is a fraction of the penalties for operating without one.