Council branded “deluded” by landlord over selective licensing scheme

A council has been accused of being “deluded” over claims that selective licensing will not cause rent rises.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council introduced its selective licensing scheme this month, covering more than 5,000 properties at a cost of £694.

The council claims research shows “there is little evidence to suggest rents have risen due to licence fees being introduced in other parts of the country with similar schemes”.

However, Paul Cunningham, chairman of the Eastern Landlords Association, told Property118 the scheme has already pushed rents higher.

Council are deluded

Mr Cunningham said: “Once again, Great Yarmouth council are deluded in their view that rents have not increased due to selective licensing and in addition, landlords are selling up in the area.

“Also, in the consultation, more than 90% who responded were firmly against the scheme.

“The irony of this situation is that the council’s own housing has again come in for criticism regarding mould issues. Of course, the council are exempt from their own licensing scheme.”

As previously reported by Property118, Mr Cunningham warned the selective licensing scheme could lead landlords to offer properties for asylum seeker accommodation instead.

Hold people accountable

In a press release, a spokesperson for Great Yarmouth council said the scheme would allow the council to deal more effectively with issues affecting tenants.

They said: “We have existing powers around housing, but this will allow us to more effectively deal with a range of issues that affect people. We will be better able to tackle health hazards and overcrowding, which is a real problem for some people.

“We know the majority of landlords want to do the best they can for tenants but, where standards are not good enough, we can now hold people accountable.”

The council added that more than 350 applications have already been received and landlords have until 30 June to complete the paperwork, with further drop-in and online sessions planned.

It also said the consultation followed “nationally recognised best practice” and led to changes, including a reduction in costs for landlords.