Update on private housing licensing schemes

Published: Wed 7th December, 2022

Two licensing schemes which aim to improve the quality of privately rented accommodation are set to be implemented early next year.

Charnwood Borough Council is introducing ‘Additional’ and ‘Selective’ Licensing schemes.

Additional Licensing is a borough-wide scheme for any House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) which does not already hold a mandatory licence and is occupied by three or four unrelated persons. All HMOs must be licensed.

Selective Licensing focuses on privately rented accommodation in the Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough. All rented properties within these two wards must be licensed.

These areas were chosen for Selective Licensing to improve property conditions and management standards of privately rented accommodation in each ward.

The scheme will last for five years from the date it is implemented. The properties subject to licensing must meet certain conditions to be licensed.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for private housing said: “I am pleased these schemes are being implemented.

“The majority of our landlords care about their tenants and understand their wider responsibilities but unfortunately there are some properties in the borough which are poorly managed and can have an adverse impact on the local community as well as the tenants.

“We have already held several consultations and I would like to thank the hundreds of residents, landlords and businesses who had their say on both the licence schemes and conditions.

“There have also been several virtual forums held over the last few years providing an opportunity for landlords to ask questions and find out more about the schemes.”

Properties affected by the schemes must be licensed and if landlords do not apply for the required licence, the Council can act including issuing fines up to £30,000.

The Council can also act if a licence is granted, and the conditions associated with the property are breached.

The licensing schemes will enable the Council to work with landlords to drive up standards across all privately rented homes by ensuring they are suitable for tenants to live in and are being managed effectively.

The licence fee per application is £700 which will be used to cover the costs to run the licensing schemes.

More information about the licensing schemes can be found on the Council’s website at www.charnwood.gov.uk/PropertyLicensing

Landlords and letting agents can keep up to date with the latest news and information about the licensing schemes by signing up to the Landlord Newsletter at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/landlordnewsletter