A statutory consultation to extend the use of Selective Licensing and bring in new powers to crack down on rogue landlords is now underway in Wirral.
That council is now consulting on designating six areas for a period of five years:
There are around 27,000 privately rented properties in Wirral and the sector is vital in meeting the borough’s housing needs, so it is important that what is on offer is of high quality.
The schemes are focused on areas where there is a higher than average number of private rented housing available, having a higher turnover of tenants and poorer property conditions.
Wirral introduced its first Selective Licensing Scheme in the borough on 1st July 2015 in four areas. Selective licensing currently operates in 10 different areas.
Although many landlords operate professionally, the Council remains concerned about a number of landlords who rent properties that fail to meet satisfactory standards.
A spokesperson says: “The vast majority of landlords are responsible and this is not about them.
“This scheme is about tackling rogue landlords and protecting tenants in Wirral, dealing with those who provide – and profit from – renting out homes which are not fit for purpose and poor quality.
“As part of the consultation, residents will also be asked their views on a range of new policies and procedures relating to powers to regulate private landlords who fail their tenants including amongst others banning orders, use of the national rogue landlord database and rent repayment orders.
“Once designated it is a criminal offence to let a privately rented property in a Selective Licensing Area without a licence and failure to have a license, or a breach of the license conditions, can lead to prosecution and to an unlimited fine or the Council can impose a Civil Penalty. “
This article is taken from Landlord Today