Story: Rohan Francis
New powers to regulate private landlords could be introduced in Page Hall and Fir Vale in the next 12 months.
‘Selective Licensing’ gives local councils extra powers to manage the quality of private rented properties and ensure high standards are met by landlords and their tenants.
The plan to introduce the new scheme was announced at the Community Assembly meeting in March by the Council's Private Housing Standards team, who currently deal with problems in private rented homes across the city.
The need for higher standards in private rented properties in Page Hall and Fir Vale was highlighted in the latest housing sector study which showed the area has some of the highest levels of poor quality housing in Sheffield.
What is Selective Licensing?
The enhanced powers of Selective Licensing apply to private rented houses, not council housing or registered social housing, which are already regulated. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are also excluded as they are required to be licensed under existing rules.
If Selective Licensing is introduced in Page Hall and Fir Vale, any property owner who wants to rent property in the area will have to apply for a licence. The Council will consider whether a landlord is ‘fit and proper’ before granting a licence.
The conditions of the licence will require that properties are made and kept safe and that landlords must seek references from prospective tenants.
What will it cost?
A licence is required for each property the landlord lets
Each licence lasts for 5 years and may cost around £750
Landlords who let without a licence could face fines of up to £20,000
Landlords who fail to comply with licence conditions could be fined up to £5,000
Consulting the whole community
The Council's Private Rented Standards team have estimated that the Page Hall and Fir Vale area contains 500 to 600 privately rented properties. In order to introduce Selective Licensing, the Council will have to carry out a minimum of 10 weeks statutory consultation, which includes getting comments from the whole community in the area. The scheme could take up to 12 months to introduce.