A council is launching a selective licensing regime late this year – and it’s charging landlords an application fee of £500 and an issuing fee of £300.

Mansfield council ran a consultation last year on selective licensing proposals for some 1,200 properties.

The scheme will now make it mandatory for landlords to have licences for each of their private rented properties, and it will require landlords to meet a minimum standard of accommodation for residents.

A spokesperson says: “We know that many of our residents in Mansfield often find that renting privately is their only option due to a lack of social housing versus demand, and most landlords provide good quality, safe accommodation.

“But there are some who take advantage of their tenants, leaving too many people living in poor conditions or having to deal with antisocial behaviour or neighbourhood crime.

“This scheme will help us tackle these problems head-on – as well as crack down on rogue landlords, making sure that all privately rented properties meet the standards we demand.”

From June 12, landlords will be invited to apply for a licence with a three-month window for applications to be received. 

From September 13, the selective licensing scheme will be enforceable, and it will remain in effect until 10 September 2030.

The full cost of a licence is £800 – split between the application and issuing fees – and if landlords apply before September 12, they will receive a £50 discount. If they are also a member of a recognised accreditation scheme, a further £100 discount will be applied.

A statement from the authority says: “The council will work with landlords and residents to improve the area, but where necessary, use the licensing conditions and enforcement powers to bring about improvements.”