SELECTIVE LICENSING OF LANDLORDS

Hyndburn Borough Council has introduced a scheme that requires private rented properties in parts of Accrington and Church to be licensed, and therefore subject to regulations. The area includes parts of East and West Accrington and Church covering an estimated 4,850 properties, of which it is estimated 1,520 are rented privately.

The Council expects the licensing scheme to improve the management practices of landlords and therefore improve the quality of life for tenants and residents in the licensing area. HBC has consulted extensively with residents, landlords and other stakeholders. Nearly 80% of residents supported the scheme, but 68% of landlords were against it.

The scheme will start on the 1st December 2012, and the licensing designation will last for five years. During that time, rented properties will need to be licensed. The courts can impose fines of up to £20,000 for any landlord found to be renting property without a licence. Any landlord breaching the licence conditions could be committing an offence and may be liable for a fine of up to £5,000. The scheme is being introduced as part of a wider set of measures to deal with low housing demand. Cllr Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing said:

“We want to ensure that private rented properties are well managed and meet a good standard. There are good landlords in Accrington and Church and we want to work with them. Unfortunately, there are some poor landlords, which this scheme will target. Good landlords have nothing to fear from this scheme. For bad ones this is a clear message that standards need to improve. I am delighted with the support from residents because we hope the scheme will improve the quality of life for tenants and communities.”