Council launches consultation on selective licensing scheme for private landlords at www.birminghambeheard.org.uk

Published: Friday, 22nd October 2021

Following approval to pursue the introduction of a selective licensing scheme for privately rented housing across 25 of its wards, the Council is launching a 10-week consultation.

Starting on 25 October the consultation will gauge feedback from landlords, tenants and residents including virtual feedback events and focus groups as well as publicising on the Council’s consultation platform Beheard.

Under the suggested scheme, all private landlords in a designated area would require a licence to rent property. The Council recognises the good work of many private sector landlords in providing quality accommodation for their tenants. We want to continue to work with the private sector market to ensure that all landlords provide properties to the same standard. It is important that we understand the difficulties landlords face and we want to help them to offer long terms sustainable tenancies.

Commenting on the scheme Councillor Shabrana Hussain, Cabinet member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said ‘The desire to improve housing conditions across the city is why I took on the role of Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhood. Poorer quality housing and high levels of crime and deprivation have a massive effect on all of us. This scheme will contribute to the City Council’s priority of introducing more enforcement and licensing within the private rented sector. I would encourage everyone to provide their views on the proposed scheme. It is only through listening to our residents and communities that we can ensure the licensing scheme focuses on what matters to local residents.”

The proposed wards have been identified as having a high proportion of private rented housing and deprivation. The introduction of selective licensing can bring widespread benefits to the local community. In particular, it will ensure that all privately rented properties in the designated area are of a satisfactory standard. It would ensure landlords operating illegally are identified and enable those properties to be targeted for inspection. It would also provide a level playing field for good landlords and reduce the risk of exploitation of tenants. Through the implementation of selective licensing the Council aims to reduce crime and deprivation across the wards included in the scheme.

Councillor Hussain added “The Council is keen to hear your views on the proposal to introduce selective licensing in parts of the city before any decision is made. The consultation on the proposal starts on Monday 25th October 2021 and will run for 10 weeks. More information on the proposed scheme and how to give feedback can be found on the Council’s consultation hub at www.birminghambeheard.org.uk

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