A new Selective Licensing scheme for private landlords in Nottingham has been approved by the city council and now goes for consultation.

This is a brand new Selective Licensing scheme and not a renewal of the first scheme introduced in August 2018. The city’s private rented sector has increased to 45,500 properties in 2021, from 43,000 in 2016.

A council statement says: “This new scheme would continue the important work already carried out during the first scheme to make sure that privately rented homes are safer, suitable for tenants to live in and that they are managed effectively. 

“It will give the council additional resource and powers to safeguard tenants and hold non-compliant landlords to account.”

Councillor Toby Neal, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Human Resources, says: “People renting privately have a right to expect a decent standard of accommodation. 

“The impact of poor quality and badly managed accommodation can be very negative on the tenants. The local neighbourhood also suffers because of poorly managed properties and the crime and anti-social behaviour that can follow.

“Selective Licensing works to tackle poor housing conditions and poor management and to drive up standards in the private rented sector.

“The first Scheme has helped improve property conditions, management standards and helped to make homes safer through the removal of dangerous hazards such as electrical and gas safety, damp and mould, as well as slip, trip and fall hazards.

“We believe that there is more work needed to support landlords to comply with their responsibilities and it is important that standards are maintained and continue to improve where needed.”