Local media in the Midlands say another Labour council is set to charge private landlords £1,000 for a licence allowing them to continue housing people in small HMOs.

Sandwell council – where 64 of the 72 councillors are Labour – is planning to force landlords with smaller HMOs with three or more people to hand over £1,000 for a licence. HMOs with five or more people already require a licence from the council. 

An estimated 3,000 properties would require a licence under the new rules, according to a council report to be discussed tomorrow.

The report claims: “Our aim is that over the five year period, the licensing scheme will improve housing conditions, reduce significant persistent problems caused by anti-social behaviour, including modern-day slavery and human trafficking, and [lead to] an increase in good landlords and an elimination of rogue landlords.

“The borough has faced a major increase in private rented accommodation in some areas and it is recognised that there are landlords and agents who do not provide adequate accommodation or management of their properties.

“This poor management of properties has a significant impact on people’s lives and on council and partner resources in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly tipping of domestic waste, concerns about property condition and harassment and illegal eviction. 

“The council has implemented a range of powers and approaches to seek to address many of these issues including additional licensing within parts of West Bromwich, but the ongoing pressures are such that an expansion of this approach is considered necessary.”