New selective licensing regime kicks in on New Years Day

Landlords of privately rented homes in 16 designated streets in Burton upon Trent will need to obtain a licence under a new selective licensing scheme approved by East Staffordshire council.

The scheme will come into force on New Year’s day and remain in place until December 31 2031. 

It follows a public consultation and is intended to improve housing conditions and property management standards in areas with a high concentration of privately rented homes that are poorly managed and maintained.

A council spokesperson says: “Selective licensing will help us improve housing conditions and management standards in areas with a high concentration of privately rented homes that are poorly managed and maintained. 

“It will give tenants greater assurance that their homes are safe and well managed, while ensuring responsible landlords operate on a fair and consistent basis.

“Landlords and managing agents with properties in the designated streets should check whether they need a licence and make sure they are ready to meet the scheme’s conditions.”

The designation is expected to apply to approximately 1,100 privately rented homes. 

Licence holders will be required to demonstrate appropriate management arrangements and comply with mandatory conditions. These include:

• An up-to-date gas safety certificate
• An up-to-date Electrical Installation Condition Report and safe condition of electrical appliances and furniture
• Fitted smoke detectors installed on each storey of the house on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation, and to keep such alarm in proper working order
• A carbon monoxide alarm installed in any room in the house which is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance, and to keep any such alarm in proper working order
• A written tenancy agreement provided for each tenant with a written statement of the conditions of the terms on which they occupy the house.
• The Licence Holder must obtain references from persons who wish to occupy the house.
• Additional conditions are also specified by East Staffordshire council to improve specific issues

This article is taken from Landlord Today