Council approves major selective licensing scheme

A major new selective licensing scheme to cover a fifth of Leeds’ private rented sector has been approved by councillors, despite landlords voicing strong opposition to the plans.

The scheme will launch in February next year, with the council saying it will tackle poor housing standards and improve tenants’ quality of life.

Covering around 12,500 properties, the scheme follows previous licensing initiatives in Beeston and Harehills between 2020 and early 2024.

During that period, council officers carried out more than 6,700 visits, prompting improvements in 1,430 homes and better living standards for an estimated 6,000 residents.

About 400 civil penalties were issued to landlords who ignored required actions.

Positive impact

The council’s executive member for housing, Councillor Jess Lennox, said: “We are determined, as a council, to ensure that everyone in Leeds can enjoy the stability and sense of security that comes with having a safe, warm and well-managed place to live.

“To do this, we need to focus on all types of housing – including private rentals, which account for a fifth of the city’s homes.”

She added: “We can now press ahead with preparations for the introduction of a scheme that we believe will make a huge difference to the standard of privately rented homes.

“Given the clear link that exists between poor housing and poor health, it’s our hope that this scheme will also have a really positive impact on the general wellbeing of residents in disadvantaged communities.”

Licensing identifies problems

The council also claims that its licensing scheme also enabled officers to identify wider social problems.

That saw more than 1,900 referrals being made to health, financial and community support services.

Police also benefited from intelligence gathered during inspections to help address crime and anti-social behaviour.

With the completion of the previous scheme, Leeds City Council has decided to expand to cover more deprived areas with high levels of private renting.

Landlord groups opposed

The scheme has been shaped by a 12-week consultation held late last year.

The council reached out to landlords, residents and stakeholders through questionnaires, public events, social media and local advertising.

More than 2,000 responses were received, with views ranging from full support to strong opposition.

As in other areas of the country, landlord groups expressed concerns about extra regulation and costs.

The council will now begin formal steps to publicise the new rules, including notices in local newspapers and direct contact with respondents to the consultation.