A local authority is inviting landlords to a virtual forum to be held today to canvas views on two proposed licensing schemes.

Charnwood council wants to introduce the different licensing schemes with the aim, it says, of improving the quality of privately-rented accommodation and reduce its impact on the local community.

The event will be held online via ZOOM today at 1.30 pm and you can sign up online. The event will be facilitated by DASH Landlord Accreditation.

One licensing scheme is for any HMO which does not already hold a mandatory licence. Additional licensing will require HMO landlords not covered by the mandatory scheme to apply for a licence. This scheme will cover all HMOs occupied by three or more unrelated persons and buildings converted into self-contained flats where they are occupied by tenants.

The other focuses on privately-rented accommodation within a designated area and aims to improve standards. This selective licensing scheme requires all landlords operating within a designated area to licence their property – the council says that at first this will apply to the Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough.

Income generated from the fees will only be used to cover the scheme’s running costs.

Online consultations are now open and will run until October 23 but the specialist forum for landlords takes place this afternoon.

The forum will include representatives from the borough council, DASH Services, a joint-working initiative with local authorities, property owners and landlords, plus the National Residential Landlords Association.