A controversial licensing scheme will come into force this winter with the blessing of Housing Secretary Michael Gove.
Nottingham council’s selective licensing regime starts on December 1 and covers an estimated 30,000 privately rented homes across most areas of the city: because of its scale, it required explicit consent from Gove.
The Labour council - which has courted controversy on the scale of its landlord licensing in the past - says the new scheme means that tenants will also know what is expected of their landlord in terms of the maintenance, safety and management of their home.
“It will be introduced into areas of the city where the council has gathered evidence of poorer property conditions” says a statement from the authority.
This continues: “Rented properties are more likely to have dangerous hazards which could include electrical, gas, fire safety, damp and mould issues. Selective Licensing will help ensure these issues are addressed, as landlords of private rented properties in certain parts of the city must now meet a set of conditions and ensure good management of their properties.”
The council wants landlords and agents to apply for a licence after September 1, by which time a simpler and quicker application process is promised.
Income from the licence fees “goes towards” the cost of setting up, operating and delivering the scheme.
No figures have been given as to cost but that council says the fee is likely to be similar to the current fee for individual licenses.
Councillor Jay Hayes, the authority’s housing spokesperson, says: “People in Nottingham have a right to expect a decent and safe standard of private rented accommodation, which is well managed and maintained.
“Having a licence will allow landlords to demonstrate that they provide decent quality accommodation for tenants, and we will work with landlords to support them to achieve the licence conditions. We believe the scheme will improve the reputation of private landlords, as well as Nottingham’s reputation for providing quality housing.
“The scheme is a major step forward in improving living standards for many Nottingham residents.”
The cost of licensing will be reduced for landlords who have Nottingham Rental Standard Accreditation via DASH or Unipol.
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Money from Nottingham Council's ring-fenced housing account has been being added wrongfully to its general fund. This means that it now has to repay that money at a cost of 51 million pounds. Are they fit to operate this money-making licensing scheme from private individuals!
Nottingham City Council were slammed by a housing tribunal for SL being a money making exercise. They were under review by the Govt & narrowly avoided having external people put in to run it. They lost millions on the Robin Hood Energy scheme. SL is simply a way to fill their coffers. I calculate the cost at £23 pcm per property - before any increase I need to make!
Yes another license that’s all for going to plug other holes and fill councillors coffers buyin more T bikkies and other treats. They should look at their own housing stock!!!
The standard a landlord has to maintain their property in is the same whether the property is licenced or not.
In Wales they can be prosecuted if there not registered under Rent Smart Wales and quite a few rouge landlords have been weeded out.
Licencing doesn't stop rogue landlords, they just don't buy the licence and take their chances.
They are clearly emulating their local folk hero, Robin Hood 🌳💰🗡 but with a slight tweak…. Keeping the cash 😂😂
More like the SHERIFF of Nottingham!
Well guess my tenants are all getting a rent increase to cover this and inflation
Assuming they can afford it.
They can always work a few more hours or get a second (or even a first) job.
Lots of vacancies for those willing to work.
Bring back the workhouse for the workshy and then we can focus on the genuinely needy and deserving of taxpayer help.
Licensing, I get that but why such high charges? Some are charging £600+ but there is no justification behind it. Yet, they want landlords to justify the rent rise, despite higher interest, council tax, licensing cost and so on.
Some licenses are over £1000 - much too much!
Glasgow charges nearly £2000 to allow 3 unrelated adults to share a 3 bed flat, with renewal fees approaching £1000 every 3 years.
Alterations such as self closing fire doors and mains powered smoke alarms cost over £3000 typically and add to mould by preventing through ventilation in properties designed to be draughty and naturally ventilated.
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