Agenda item

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services submits a report on progress with selective licensing schemes in the city.

The Director of Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services submitted a report on progress with selective licensing schemes in the city. 

The Deputy City Mayor for Housing, Economy and Neighbourhoods introduced the item, noting that the process had been very thorough and was delivering on targets. The first five-year cycle was coming to an end. Implementation of the Renter’s Rights Act 2025 was imminent and would impact on the responsibilities for the private sector teams. 

The Head of Regulatory Services gave a presentation as attached to the agenda, key points to note were as follows: 

• It was estimated that there were around 8000 licensable properties in the 3 areas. At the end of 2025 around 77% of the applications expected across the 5 years had been received, with the majority having been dealt with. 

• For the number of applications within each designated area, Westcotes and the Fosse area had the highest numbers received. 

• Most hazards were category 2 and were required to be addressed for licensing. In many cases formal action did not need to be taken after issues being highlighted to the landlord.  

• Where necessary work to rectify was not organised by the landlord, the council may undertake these works in default and the costs recharged to the landlord. 

• Formal actions included hazard awareness notices, improvement notices and prohibition orders - an incremental approach was usually taken. 

• There were a number of investigations in process. 

• Landlords were invited to regular forums. 

• Team changes had included new management.  

• A planned piece of work included reviewing designations, all three of which were due to end next year. Consideration would be given as to whether they needed to continue.  

In response to member questions and discussion, the following was noted: 

• The Council was not permitted to generate a profit on the scheme, and any income was reinvested back into delivery. A realistic fee was set to cover programme delivery costs and support the empowerment, education and signposting of landlords. Unlike some authorities, the scheme used a combined fee of £1,290 and included inspections to confirm properties meet minimum standards before a licence is granted. The cash flow forecast was under review. 

• A different framework of standards was in place for council properties. A dip sample had taken place to support the Housing service which found consistency with the Housing team. The Decent Homes Standard would be implemented as part of the Renters Rights Act in the future, bringing changes to the private letting sector. 

• The timescale to resolve hazards was dependent on the severity of the hazard. Landlords were responsible for arranging any alternative accommodation during rectification periods. 

• The private rented sector team could investigate housing standards issues such as damp and mould, overcrowding and fire safety across all rented properties in the city regardless of licensing. 

• There was not a ruling on how often properties would be inspected but robust checks were completed. 

• For the numbers awaiting licensing, work was in place which included door knocking and leaflets being left. Tenants were also supported by being signposted to Justice For Tenants. There was a potential for tenants to recover up to 12 months of the rent paid if the landlord had not acquired a licence, this would be going up to two years under the Renter’s Rights Act. There was also the possibility of a civil penalty. Since the service review, there was an increased drive to identify unlicensed landlords 

AGREED: 

1)    That the reports be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account by the lead officers.