Luton Council is considering introducing a ‘selective licensing’ within the town, and has this week launched a consultation regarding proposals to introduce the scheme in five of its wards.

The council is now consulting with landlords, tenants and business owners, as they will be affected by the proposed scheme.

The wards that are being considered for this licensing scheme are South, Biscot, Dallow, High Town, and Farley.

If the proposed scheme is introduced, in according with the Housing Act 2004, it will be a requirement that all properties let by private landlords within the designated area must have a licence. A licence holder can be the owner or an appropriate person appointed by the owner, such as a managing agent.

All landlords would need to make a valid application for each property they rent out. This would be through an online application process and we will provide tailored advice and help for landlords and agents where needed.

In order to obtain a licence the applicant will need to demonstrate that they are a ‘fit and proper’ person and that they have satisfactory management arrangements in place for the property.

This will involve providing identification and providing a declaration to confirm their status with regards to criminal offences.

The consultation is open until Friday 15th September 2017.