Landlords have been told they have just a day left to register for a new licensing scheme – or risk being hit with a civil penalty.

The reminder comes after the introduction of Great Yarmouth council’s Selective Licensing Scheme which came came into operation several weeks ago but with a deadline of June 30 for landlords to register. 

The authority claims over 2,100 applications have already been received and processed, but after tomorrow, landlords risk receiving a civil penalty or being prosecuted if their property is not registered. 

The licensing scheme applies to an area of about 5,000 rented homes covering about 60 per cent of the borough’s privately rented properties.

A licence costs £694 per property for five years and a statement from the council says the scheme “will make sure homes meet minimum standards and will promote better letting management practices, ensuring that properties are well-maintained and tenants’ rights respected.”

The authority is offering an in-person, one-to-one Selective Licensing Application Support Session today (Monday June 29) and places can be booked online at https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/selective-licencing-scheme/news-events

Failure to have a valid licence in place will see landlords at risk of receiving a civil penalty for non-compliance – the starting point of which, before taking into account mitigating or aggravating circumstances, is £9,000. A prosecution could lead to an unlimited fine.