Gateshead consults on selective licensing – while Brent urges landlords to comply

Gateshead consults on selective licensing – while Brent urges landlords to comply

0:05 AM, 16th July 2024, About An hour ago

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Gateshead Council is inviting residents, landlords, letting agents and businesses to weigh in on proposals for new selective licensing schemes.

It claims to be a pioneer in selective licensing since 2007, and it now wants to extend the existing selective licensing zone.

Plus, the council wants to introduce additional licensing for Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs).

If approved, the schemes would start in Spring next year for homes that are occupied by single families or two sharers for selective licensing.

While additional HMO licensing would apply to small, shared houses that are occupied by three or more households, that share a kitchen and or bathroom.

‘Property licensing for private rented homes’

Gateshead’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Chris Buckley, said: “More than a decade ago, we introduced property licensing for private rented homes.

“Since this time many other councils across the country have now followed.

He added: “We introduced selective licensing to address poor housing conditions in Gateshead, as well as anti-social behaviour, crime and other issues that exacerbate deprivation and inequality, including overcrowding and fuel poverty.

“Our proposals to expand our property licensing area have been developed to make sure more tenants become aware of the standards they should expect, and more landlords are aware of their responsibilities.”

Council is urging landlords to comply

Meanwhile, in London, Brent Council is urging landlords to comply with the borough-wide licensing scheme that became law in April.

All landlords renting out properties in Brent, except Wembley Park, need a license – those without face hefty fines and potential prosecution.

Brent’s leader, Councillor Muhammed Butt, said: “We have received more than eight thousand applications, but we know that there are still several thousand more applications that have not yet been made.

“Our message is clear to those landlords who have not yet applied for their license: your time is running out.

“Our enforcement team will find you if you choose to ignore the law, and breaking the law could cost you up to £30,000 in fines and a prosecution as well.”

Last year, Brent issued its first banning order against a landlord, preventing him from letting houses in England for five years.

The council has now licensed more homes of multiple occupation than any other London borough.


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