News from the Residential Property Investor, the bi-monthly magazine for RLA members other artilces from the April / May 2003 issue RPI news archive

Private landlords set for 'selective licensing' - April / May 2003

Local authorities across the country are set to gain wide ranging powers to introduce private landlord licensing schemes.

This will be the effect if the Housing Bill, published in March for consultation, becomes law.

The Bill will bring in a number of major changes, including a requirement that those selling houses first produce 'buyers' packs', replacement of the current housing fitness standard with a new Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and changes to the 'Right to Buy' scheme to tackle 'profiteering' and emphasise purchasers' responsibilities.

There is to be a mandatory national scheme for houses in multiple occupation requiring local authorities to license so called 'larger and higher risk properties'. Licensing will cover management standards, the fitness of the licensee and the physical condition of the property, which will include the adequacy of fire safety, kitchen and living conditions.

'HMOs are a key source of housing for some of the most vulnerable in society, including young people, students, and those who are socially or economically disadvantaged. Our new licensing proposals will improve standards and safety in HMOs, while recognising the importance of maintaining an adequate supply of rented accommodation', claimed Housing Minister Jeff Rooker when introducing the Bill.

But licensing will not stop here. Local authorities are also to have the discretionary power to license 'smaller classes of property where they pose a particular problem in their area'.

They will also be able to license private landlords 'in areas of low demand housing or other areas where there is a significant impact on the wider community arising from the poor management of properties in the private rented sector'.

According to the Government, licensing schemes will be targeted at communities within an authority area experiencing specific problems.

Selective licensing will be primarily focused on areas of low housing demand where the worse problems currently exist. However, where a compelling case is made, it is proposed that licensing could be applied in other limited areas.
 

other artilces from the April / May 2003 issue

• Competent regulation
• Private landlords set for 'selective licensing'
• Local crackdowns on HMO landlords
• Property prospects better in the north
• Landlords shop for best mortgages
• DTI acts against property investment companies
• Letting returns put at over 20 per cent
• Average house tops £145,00
• London landlord given life sentence
• Government admits to wider anti-social problems
• In brief