A north of England local authority is launching yet another consultation on licensing - 17 years after it became one of the first to introduce selecting licensing.
Since its introduction, Gateshead council claims to have used the regime to take “significant action” to ensure that landlords of private rented homes comply with the terms of their licence, and tenants are considerate neighbours, resulting in improvements to the quality and safety of local housing and neighbourhoods.
However, a statement claims: “But there is still more to do to ensure improved standards and better protection for private renters. That's why the council wants to continue the good work that has been achieved so far by expanding the area that is covered and introduce new licensing schemes.”
It’s now consulting on proposals for new selective licensing and additional Housing of Multiple Occupancy llicensing schemes, which if approved, would come into effect in two phases, starting in spring 2025.
A spokesperson says: “More than a decade ago, we introduced property licensing for private rented homes. Since this time many other councils across the country have now followed.
“We introduced selective licensing to address poor housing conditions in Gateshead, as well as anti-social behaviour, crime and other issues that exacerbate deprivation and inequality, including overcrowding and fuel poverty. Our proposals to expand our property licensing area have been developed to make sure more tenants become aware of the standards they should expect, and more landlords are aware of their responsibilities."
"Gateshead is a place with a rich history of endeavour and enterprise. It is a place with a strong spirit and great pride; a place where people care deeply about their neighbours and their local community. That's why it's important that everyone who cares about Gateshead shares their views.”
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17 years of theft 👮🏻♀️💵
Legalised theft. Using the power of the state to mug it’s citizens.
Yet again a further property tax
Sounds like something from Pol pot,(Khmer rouge) mixed with Blairisms.
Just sold one of my two rentals,it’s only going to get worse under Labour
Another council ripping off the PRS with the usual ‘fabrication of justifications’ they pathetically call a ‘consultation’!
They simply fuel distrust and add to the numbers of landlords deciding to leave or hike up rents.
Councils may not realise ANY extra costs incurred go on the rent. If I end up in a situation with licensing then tenants will get an email setting out the next rent increse to include the license charge plus an admin fee. They can lobby the council if they wish.
Nick
I don’t believe that an email or letter stating what is adding to a landlord’s costs would be a breach of the TFA unless that was the only increase. A simple “your rent will increase by £xx pcm. As well as interest rates rises, the following have also increased, reducing the profitability of the property”.
What I'd like to see for the Council is the number of private rentals now versus then, the rent in non licensed areas and the waiting list for for housing in those licensed areas Vs previous. I think we can all guess what the answers would be. This kind of research the NRLA should be doing but no doubt Ben will be probably clapping at the Council offices instead.
They actually boast about legalised theft
What a sick joke this country has become
Thinking about it I can see the benefits of a licensing scheme for the PRS.
Tenant licensing.
Oh I wish 😂😂👍🏻👍🏻
I cannot see any benefits for licensing by councils to the landlords or the tenants. It is clearly a legalised theft and also shows incompetence of the council wishing to increase their income.
These licensing -Don’t do what they want. JUST - Yes totally agree -another tax and reason why to out those rents up.
They are going to drop schedules of works and go straight to an improvement notice yours for the tiny sum of £538.
Grabbing money for sure. They have no idea how crippled landlords are right now. Have they talked to any no. Not even announced it to consult. The so called consultation will be pushed through yet again.
Shortage of rentals and they are going to make it worse but hey put people in airbnbs at four times the cost. The council is nuts.
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