Private Landlord Licensing
The Housing Act 2004 gives local authorities the power to licence landlords in relation to privately rented dwellings.
There are three separate categories as follows:
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Mandatory licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation with 3 or more storeys, 5 or more people and 2 or more households.
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Additional licensing of HMOs excluded from the above.
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Selective licensing of privately rented dwellings, where the local authority considers it will benefit tenants and communities, in areas of low demand (i.e. presence of empty properties, high turnover of occupancy and comparatively low house prices) and/or where there are problems with anti-social behaviour.
Why introduce licensing?
Licensing introduced to:
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Tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour - crime/vandalism
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Deal with the issue of low demand-area decline/area abandonment
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Reduce the risk of fire in a house in multiple occupation
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Support inexperienced landlords
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Engage with landlords where management arrangements are unsatisfactory
What are the benefits of licensing?
Licensing can:
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Reduce anti-social behaviour
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Support & training for responsible landlords
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Halt area decline
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Better housing standards for private tenants
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Benefit to wider community & business
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Long term economic benefits