New selective licensing measures are to be introduced across three parts of Leicester in a new clampdown on landlords.

The combined areas cover approaching 20 per cent of Leicester’s geographical area and a similar proportion of the privately rented homes in the city, focusing on areas where there is evidence of ongoing issues, and strengthening the existing mandatory powers councils have to tackle problems.

The move to introduce selective licensing follows a three-month public consultation which ran from November 2021 to February 2022, in which more than 1,100 people took the opportunity to comment on a range of different options.

Leicester assistant city mayor for housing, Elly Cutkelvin, says: “For many a private rented tenancy is the only chance of a decent home including for an increasing number of families. The need for good quality, affordable housing has never been greater.

“Ultimately we find some of the worst conditions in the private rented sector and in areas where there is a high concentration of poorly managed properties, community concerns arise that lead to a decline, or feeling of decline, within an area.

“We are committed to working with and supporting landlords and tenants to improve the quality of private-sector rented housing in the city and protecting the most vulnerable people by ensuring their housing and their landlords meet a higher standard in terms of management and safety.

“Supported by a robust enforcement policy, actions to improve standards in the private rented sector encourage sustainable communities and promotes good health and wellbeing.”

The scheme is due to come into effect in October and will run initially for five years. 

The licence will cost £1,090 with various discounts will be available including for early applications, charitable organisations, properties with good energy efficiency and landlords with multiple properties.

The council claims that money from the licensing scheme will be ring-fenced for operating and enforcing it in the three target areas.