A to Z of services: Selective Licensing

The Housing Act 2004 gives Councils the power to introduce the licensing of private rented houses, within a designated area,  where it is or is likely to become either:

•   an area of low housing demand

              and/or

• an area which is experiencing a significant and persistent problem caused by anti-social behaviour

The aim of Selective Licensing is to improve the management of these properties to ensure they have a positive impact on the area.

The Council have already implemented a Selective Licensing Scheme in some areas of the town (The current scheme) and are now considering extending this to additional areas (The proposed scheme)  . A map and street index of each proposed area is attached for your information.

Whilst we acknowledge that many landlords provide decent well-managed and maintained accommodation, which do not cause any problems for the local community, we also recognise that there are poor management practices within the private rented sector which are having a negative effect on the general amenity and economy of the areas.

Recent information shows that reports of anti social behaviour, when compared to other areas of the town, are at unsatisfactory levels.  This may be due in some part to private rented tenancies not being effectively managed.

The current scheme

The proposed scheme