New licensing scheme for private landlords

New rules for private rented housing could be introduced in parts of Scunthorpe.

The selective licensing scheme requires landlords to pay a fee to the council to be able to offer homes to rent and to meet housing standards.

North Lincolnshire Council will introduce the requirements in the Crosby and Park and Town Wards, covering around 1,230 private-let homes.

The measures could be extended to other parts of the town.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a council meeting was told that a 78-day long consultation found more opposition than support for the plan.

Deputy leader councillor Richard Hannigan told the cabinet meeting that the consultation was "not a referendum.”

He said the council “went down this route in 2017” and in light of comments received, gave landlords an opportunity to raise standards, including through a voluntary sign-up scheme.

“Sadly, there’s not been an improvement. In fact, if anything, the housing stock has deteriorated," he added.

“The introduction of selective licensing in North Lincolnshire will make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents.”

Landlords will pay an initial £955 to register each property then a further £340 annual fee.

However, the costs could be amended at a later date.

In response to a question about whether the scheme would lead to an improvement in the quality of rented homes Hannigan said council officers had spoken to other local authorities who had implemented selective licensing, and support organisations.

“The consensus of opinion is these schemes do secure an improvement of housing conditions within an area," he said.

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