Council unveils new selective licensing scheme consultation

A council has unveiled a consultation to introduce a selective licensing scheme to improve housing conditions in the PRS and it wants landlords to offer their views.

The scheme will cover 16 of the council’s 20 wards and landlords will need to maintain their properties and deal with issues like anti-social behaviour.

Thurrock Council says the scheme is necessary because the PRS now constitutes 23% of the town’s housing.

It says that despite many landlords maintaining high standards; some properties suffer from poor conditions and contribute to neighbourhood disturbances.

Last year, the council revealed that its housing crisis was worsening because landlords were leaving the market.

Landlords will attract better tenants

The council’s cabinet member for adults and health, Coun Mark Hooper, said: “If adopted, the selective licensing scheme would mean that landlords of privately rented properties would need to provide higher standard homes to tenants and ensure that their properties neighbours are protected before they are allowed to rent out a home in the borough.

“In turn, they will benefit from help and guidance from us and a level playing field for privately rented properties which will help them attract better tenants.”

He added: “The consultation will be open to all residents, landlords and other stakeholders.

“Thurrock Council encourages as many people as possible to participate in the consultation process to ensure that the scheme is tailored to meet the needs of the community.”

Cost of selective licensing

Landlords in the designated areas will need to fork out for a licensing fee, set at £1,034.90.

This is divided into three parts: £236.98 for application processing, £562.16 for additional scheme costs and another £235.76 when the licence is issued.

Paper applications incur a £500 surcharge.

Thurrock says the fees aim to cover operational costs without generating profit.

The council is inviting residents, landlords and stakeholders to share their views through an online survey.

There are also two public meetings being organised for 28 May and 25 June at 6pm.