Public get say on private landlords licensing schemes

Aim to improve housing stock

ConSuLTATIonS are drawing to a close on proposals to tackle poorquality private housing.

Charnwood Borough Council proposed two licensing schemes for private landlords in August. More than 300 responses have been received across both consultations so far.

The Additional Licensing scheme would require landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMo) not covered by the mandatory scheme to apply for a licence.

This would cover all HMos occupied by three or four unrelated people and buildings converted into self-contained flats where they are occupied by tenants.

The second proposed scheme is

Selective Licensing, which would require all landlords within a designated area to licence their property.

The council is initially looking to introduce this scheme in Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough.

A range of conditions would be attached to each of the proposed licences, which would last for five years.

Councillor Paul Mercer, lead member for private housing, said: “Despite the pandemic we’ve already seen a good number of responses.

“However, there is still time for even more people to give their views. Many landlords understand their responsibilities but unfortunately there are still properties which are poorly managed.

“The proposed licensing schemes will be looking to tackle these issues and ensure landlords are meeting the conditions set out in the licences.

“The draft policy documents are available for people to view online and I would encourage residents, landlords and businesses to have a look and give us their views.”

For more information about the proposed schemes, visit the Charnwood Borough Council website. The consultations close on Friday. The council’s cabinet will consider whether to adopt the licensing schemes in December.