Landlord faces double licensing payment due to council website error

A frustrated landlord who has attempted to license his property says a council’s website error could result in him having to pay twice.

Mick Roberts, one of Nottingham’s largest landlords housing benefit tenants, told Property118 he had received a letter from Nottingham City Council requesting more information regarding his selective licensing application.

Mr Roberts explains that he originally filled out the information with his correct address, but due to an error on the council’s website system, the details were submitted incorrectly, resulting in the council having two addresses instead of one.

Council will ask me to pay again

Mr Roberts tells Property118 he has been given 21 days to re-do his application.

He said: “I’ve been telling the council for seven years that there’s an issue with their selective licensing website that repopulates fields wrongly.

“The problem is that the council claims any difference in address will result in the licence not being issued, but they don’t explain why. I’ve tried to clarify that I didn’t provide two addresses and that the system is causing this error.

“The council has given us just 21 days to redo the application, yet they still want another six months of money from us. If I have to start a new application, I’m sure the council will ask me to pay again.”

New licensing powers

The government announced new measures allowing all councils to introduce selective licensing schemes of any size without needing approval from the Secretary of State.

Mr Roberts says selective licensing causes misery for both landlords and tenants as it drives up costs and doesn’t improve the situation for tenants in the Nottingham area.

Mr Roberts has threatened to sell his properties if licensing continues.

He tells Property118: “Will licensing make tenants’ homes any better? Does the council have any idea of the homelessness problem in Nottingham? The council should not be granting me a licence.

“This could be the perfect excuse to sell all my houses now instead of keeping them for the tenants who have been with me for years.”

Selective licensing brings benefits for tenants

When asked for comment, a Nottingham City Council spokesperson, told Property118: “The landlord submitted a number of different applications for their licensable properties with two different home addresses.

“We contacted them seeking clarification on which address to use, which they have provided.

“We have not asked them to re-submit the application or require them to pay again.”

Nottingham Council also claim selective licensing does help to improve the housing situation in Nottingham.

The spokesperson adds: “Selective licensing not only brings benefits for tenants and local communities, but also landlords who, by obtaining a licence, are able to clearly demonstrate to prospective tenants that they meet required standards.”