PropTech firm Kamma says 11 new discretionary licensing schemes for landlords are set to launch in April – a record.

This is the highest number of schemes introduced in a single calendar month since licensing schemes were first introduced in 2006.

This means that, by the end of April, there will be 113 discretionary schemes in place across the UK’s 408 local authorities, mostly with different rules.

The 11 new Selective and Additional licensing schemes starting in April will be spread out over seven different local authorities including Ealing, Luton, Liverpool, Lewisham, Charnwood and Durham and will affect both letting agents and landlords operating in those regions. 

Out of the new schemes, two will be in Bristol. Here the council’s extension of their Selective and Additional licensing schemes is set to come into force on April 6.

During the five year period of the previous schemes in Bristol, over 3,600 licences were issued and over 3,400 inspections were carried out – with 88 per cent of properties subsequently “improved” according to the council. The new schemes will cover even larger parts of Bristol.

Kamma chief executive Orla Shields says: “Our data shows that so far nine new schemes have already started in 2022 and including all the schemes set out to start in April, we are looking at 20 new schemes starting in less than four months. 

“There are not only more schemes to look out for, enforcement through fines and Rent Repayment Orders are also increasing, so it’s important agents act to protect themselves, their landlord customers, and their tenants.”

Letting agents and landlords stand to face fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance, if failing to comply with safety and licensing regulations, and additional fines of up to £5,000 per property for non-compliance with MEES energy efficiency regulations.