Following the success of selective licensing in neighbouring Newham, Waltham Forest Council in London has decided to roll out a selective licensing scheme for homes in the private rental sector. The borough will be consulting with landlords, tenants and local businesses until 24th January 2014. If the scheme goes ahead, around 33k homes could be affected.
Improving the Private Rented Sector
Waltham Forest Council is hoping that the introduction of a selective licensing scheme will improve standards on the private rented sector. They want to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour and enviro-crime, which includes littering and leaving mess in gardens. The council is also keen to cut down on the number of tenants who antagonise their neighbours by playing loud music or use their homes for illegal activities such as drug dealing.
According to a council spokesperson, “We also want to use licensing to drive up management standards generally for all private rented properties in the borough as our studies have shown that many tenants renting in the private sector are having to endure some of the worst housing conditions in the borough, such as serious overcrowding and living in unfit homes.”
How Much Will the License Fee Cost?
Landlords will be expected to pay £500 for a five-year licence. However, the council won’t be making a penny from the scheme. Instead all monies earned will be used to help administer the scheme.
It is likely that other councils will be keeping a close eye on what happens in Waltham Forest, and if the scheme goes ahead and is deemed to be a success, other councils may decide to follow suit.
