County Durham is part of North East
Landlord register deadline in County Durham
Register by 14 September 2027
Registration opens on 15 June 2027, in 228 days. You can register early from 15 December 2026.
Email me before 14 September 2027
Subject to Parliament: the register's regulations were laid before Parliament on 9 September 2026 and still need approval. The dates and the £65 fee come from the government's announcements and could change. The draft regulations.
North East is the 7th of 9 English regions to register. See every region's dates.
How many rented homes in County Durham need registering?
County Durham had 40,198 privately rented homes at the 2021 Census, 17% of households, below England's 20%. That's the 5th highest of 12 councils in North East. Each of those homes needs registering by 14 September 2027.
The average private rent in County Durham was £653 a month in September 2026, below the North East average of £790. It's the 3rd cheapest of 12 councils in North East. Rents rose 6.1% over the year, against 5.3% across the region.
| 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bed £459 | 2 bed £582 | 3 bed £697 | 4+ bed £1,004 |
At that rent, the £65 yearly register fee works out at about 3 days' rent per property.
Of homes in County Durham with an EPC, 53% are rated C or above, close to England's 53% and the 5th most efficient of 12 councils in North East. About 5 in 10 are D or below and would need work if the proposed EPC C rule for 2030 becomes law. EPC rules for landlords.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 (tenure), ONS Price Index of Private Rents, ONS EPC data for EPCs lodged in the 10 years to March 2025, all tenures.
Renting in County Durham? Check a rent increase against local rents, or see your rights as a renter.
Does County Durham have landlord licensing?
Yes. County Durham runs one licensing scheme. A licence is needed on top of registering, and you'll give its details when you register.
Selective licensing: County Durham Selective Licensing 2022
103 designated areas across County Durham, checked by postcode list
What fines can County Durham give landlords?
County Durham can fine landlords who aren't registered once the deadline passes on 14 September 2027: up to £7,000, or £40,000 for false information or repeat breaches. How fines and enforcement work.
County Durham's civil penalty policy
Updated for the Renters' Rights Act, so it already sets out how County Durham will fine landlords under the new rules.
Get an email before your deadline
One email when registration opens for your area, then 30 and 7 days before the deadline. Nothing else.
Questions landlords ask
When do landlords in County Durham have to register?
By 14 September 2027. Properties in County Durham follow the North East timetable, which opens on 15 June 2027. The deadline follows the property, so it applies wherever you live.
Does County Durham have selective licensing?
Yes. County Durham runs selective licensing (County Durham Selective Licensing 2022) covering 103 designated areas across County Durham, checked by postcode list, until 31 March 2027. Rented homes in the area need a licence as well as being on the register.
Is County Durham's Selective licensing scheme ending?
The current scheme (County Durham Selective Licensing 2022) is due to end on 31 March 2027. Councils often consult on a renewal before then, so check County Durham's website before assuming you won't need a licence.
Has County Durham updated its fines policy for the Renters' Rights Act?
Yes. County Durham's Civil penalties under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation covers the Renters' Rights Act, including the landlord register.
What is the average rent in County Durham?
£653 a month in September 2026, according to the ONS. A two-bedroom home averaged £582. The £65 yearly register fee is about 3 days' average rent.
Councils like County Durham
County Durham's nearest matches in North East on rent and the share of homes rented privately. All share the 14 September 2027 deadline.
- Redcar and Cleveland £645 a month
- Northumberland £696 a month
- Darlington £691 a month
- Stockton-on-Tees £736 a month
- Sunderland £710 a month
- Hartlepool £562 a month