Councils have voted for a new selective licensing scheme in Great Yarmouth, covering 5,000 private rentals.

The council said the scheme will include new measures to inspect properties and will replace a previous scheme that was restricted to just 1,500 homes. 

Paul Wells, a Conservative councillor and portfolio holder for licensing, says the scheme will enable the council to tackle alleged health hazards and overcrowding.

The council will have the power to inspect rental eligible rental properties in Nelson Ward, Central and Northgate Ward, Southtown and Cobholm Ward and eight streets in Yarmouth’s North Ward every six months, with the license cost for five years at £694.

Wells said: “We all know the previous scheme had flaws. This is going to be razor-focused on enforcement and make sure we deal with the issues affecting renters.”

The scheme is due to be introduced in April 2026.