It is possible that licensing regimes operated by local councils could cut the fees they impose on landlords.

The House of Commons debate on the Renters Reform Bill last week confirmed that there would be a review of licensing schemes to minimise their overlap with the so-called property portal being introduced when the Bill becomes law.

However, just before the weekend housing minister Jacob Young told NRLA members in a webinar that the review could – at least in theory – recommend that charges be cut and schemes downsized.

The NRLA has argued plans to introduce the portal – where landlords will register properties and documents confirming they meet standards – would serve precisely the same purpose as council licensing. 

However environmental health officers are lobbying hard to save local council licensing.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health reckons that the Renters Reform Bill would threaten the existence of council licensing regimes. The CIEH claims licensing isn’t another layer of red tape but is valuable in its own right.

Institute executive director Louise Hosking says: “We strongly disagree with suggestions that the proposed Property Portal removes the need for selective licensing schemes.

“Licensing provides a means for local authorities to inspect privately rented housing using enforceable conditions and to identify and resolve problems without the need for tenants to have complained.

“The Property Portal would collect valuable information but would not replace this service. The Renters Reform Bill should be used as an opportunity to remove unnecessary barriers to local authorities using licensing schemes to improve housing standards.”