Yet another selective licensing scheme set for expansion

A Selective Licensing scheme introduced by a council back in 2016 is set for expansion. 

Middlesbrough council claims that its scheme has led to reductions in anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime, and an increase in house prices. Proposals are now being brought forward to extend the scheme into an additional location within the councils patch.

The council says the extension would address  problems associated with low demand for housing by imposing conditions relating to the management of properties, and problems associated with anti-social behaviour by including conditions in licences which required landlords to take action to deal with such behaviour, such as tenancy referencing to ensure that properties are not let to persons with a known record of anti-social behaviour and relating to the use of the property.

It claims the extension would also help alleviate the poor housing standards in the private rented sector by incorporating housing inspections and enforcement action as a requirement of the scheme, as well as ensuring that the properties are properly managed to prevent further deterioration.

Middlesbrough says private landlords will have to pay £760 with a £20 ‘fit and proper person test’ for a five-year licence.

There will now begin a consultation period which will gather the views of local people, businesses landlords and other partner agencies before being brought back to the council for a final decision.

A spokesperson says: “Selective Landlord Licensing has helped deliver many improvements in the private rented sector already … Now these proposals to extend the scheme have been approved we can move to a consultation with the community which will inform our final decision on its implementation.”

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