Licence condition works are the jobs a council asks for before or after granting an HMO licence: things like extra detection, fire doors, a second bathroom, kitchen changes or repairs. In Durham, a town of around 50,000 people, the work is planned around the HMO rules for England and the council’s written HMO standards. Durham has a university population, so many shared houses are let to students on yearly tenancies, and summer is the main window for works.
- Area
- County Durham, England
- Postcodes
- DH1
- Location
- 14 miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne
- Council
- Durham County Council
- Pricing region
- North East
What does licence condition and schedule-of-works in Durham involve?
- Advice on items that need a specialist
- Fire safety, amenity and repair works
- Certificates and photos for each item
- A completion letter for your licence file
- Item-by-item price against the council’s list
Which rules apply in Durham?
Here is what usually applies to a Durham job of this kind. It is general information rather than legal advice, and the council’s written HMO standards have the final detail.
- Licences last up to 5 years and carry conditions on gas and electrical safety, alarms, room sizes and waste.
- Smoke alarms on every storey with living accommodation and CO alarms by fixed combustion appliances (other than gas cookers) are required by law.
- Council standards often step up at 5 and 6 sharers, for example a separate WC at 5 and a second bathroom from 6.
- Councils assess hazards, including damp, mould and fire, under the HHSRS; revised regulations and guidance applied from 23 June 2026.
Durham County Council: local HMO schemes
| Article 4 (HMO) | In force in part of the council area Directions cover Durham City and other named areas (2016-2022); extension to rest of county proposed. |
|---|---|
| Additional licensing | No scheme found |
| Selective licensing | In force in part of the council area Selective licensing in 103 designated areas 1 Apr 2022-31 Mar 2027; consultation on a replacement (87 postcodes, c.38% of PRS) closed 12 Aug 2026. |
Schemes change. Check the council’s current pages for the exact address in Durham before you buy or start work. Source: Durham County Council HMO licensing page, checked 2026-10-31.
How much does licence condition and schedule-of-works cost in Durham?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical allowance for minor amenity and repair items on a council list (our estimate) | £1,500 – £5,000 | £1,400 – £4,600 | house |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | £740 – £1,850 | house |
| FD30S fire door leaf into an existing frame, with seals, closer and hinges, fitted | £300 – £600 | £280 – £550 | door |
| EICR, 5+ bedroom house | £150 – £400 | £140 – £370 | inspection |
Use these as a starting point for budgeting. Access, condition and the council’s requirements in Durham can move the figure either way, which is why we quote after seeing the house.
How long does it take?
Most jobs of this kind take Set by the council’s deadline. If a council deadline applies in Durham, tell us at the first call so the programme is built around it.
For student houses in Durham, booking by spring is the safest way to make the summer gap.
When do Durham landlords need it?
Landlords in Durham most often ask us for this when:
- An improvement notice with a deadline
- A licence granted with conditions
Questions about licence condition and schedule-of-works in Durham
Can you meet a council deadline?
In most cases, yes, if we see the list early. Send it to us as soon as you get it and we will tell you straight away if a deadline looks tight.
Which postcodes in Durham do you work in?
All of them, including DH1, and the surrounding parts of County Durham.
Which council covers HMOs in Durham?
Durham is covered by Durham County Council. We read the council’s written HMO standards before pricing, and you should check the licence position for the exact address.
How much does licence condition and schedule-of-works cost in Durham?
Our guide ranges for North East are in the table on this page, and the guide-price tool gives a figure for your house. A fixed written quote follows a free site visit.
Licence condition and schedule-of-works near Durham
- Chester-le-Street · 6 mi
- Houghton-Le-Spring · 6 mi
- Stanley · 8 mi
- Washington · 9 mi
- Bishop Auckland · 9 mi
- Peterlee · 10 mi
- All of County Durham
Other HMO services in Durham
- HMO fire safety upgrades in Durham
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Durham
- Communal kitchen refits in Durham
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Durham
- Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Durham
- Fire doors in Durham
- Bedroom upgrades and room refits in Durham
- Professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Durham