New rules introduced for private landlords

A new scheme has opened which aims to maintain the standard of rented properties in County Durham.

Durham County Council’s selective licensing scheme requires all private landlords to obtainalicencetorentproperties in designated areas of the county.

Atleast29,000properties– 42%oftheprivaterentedsector inthecounty–iscoveredbythe scheme, which was approved by the Government following an application by the council.

The scheme aims to create long-term, sustainable neighbourhoods by ensuring that anyprivatelyrentedproperties are well managed and in good condition – protecting residents and tenants by tackling landlords who do not comply.

Landlords must apply for a licence and ensure their managementpracticesandproperties meet standards set out by the scheme.

Rental properties will be regularly inspected by the council, with landlords required to make repairs and improvements, with failure to comply resulting in enforcement action being taken.

The licence fee per property rented is a maximum of £500 and covers a five-year period.

Cllr James Rowlandson, the council’s cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: “A key objective is to raise the standards of private rented properties. It will also improve the health and wellbeing of tenants as well as reduce anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“The scheme is also about enabling us to better support landlords so that they can give the best service possible to their tenants and holding to account those who fail to meet the required standard.”

For details on the scheme, go to www.durham.gov.uk/selectivelicensing