Croydon yet another area to introduce Selective Licensing
However, the term “selective licensing” is something of a misnomer in this instance, as the proposal is for it to be borough wide.
The newly elected council’s objective seems not to be to tackle anti social behavior (and they can hardly claim lack of demand in a London borough with excellent transport links which is a major business centre in its own right) but to bring up the standard of privately rented accommodation and tackle rogue landlords. However, the DCLG will only allow councils to introduce SL if one or both of these conditions are met… Thus the ASB fig leaf, even though they themselves admit ASB is actually going down in the borough…
We all know about the somewhat prohibitive charges, payable upfront, but after a long phone conversation today with Chris Wright of Twinpier who advises on licensing issues as a sideline, I learned about some not only unreasonable, but downright ridiculous conditions some councils expect landlords to meet, such as not allowing a tenant to park a trade vehicle next to or near the property; providing printed appliance manuals – in the tenant’s native language, however obscure.
Landlords are also subject to fines for their tenants’ anti social behavior e.g. leaving a sofa in the front garden for a few days before it can be taken away for disposal, but at the same time, increasing the notice period to visit property from the standard 24 hours to 7 days…
Many thanks
Mandy
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Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1562
5:49 PM, 21st July 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “chris wright” at “21/07/2014 – 17:21“:
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/8330291.print/
Specialist council enforcement officers will in October patrol the borough looking for messy gardens and insist landlords ensure they are cleared.
If they do not comply, they will be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice. Further legal proceedings could lead to a £5000 fine.
Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Clyde Loakes, said: “Our residents are sick and tired of people blighting their streets and want us to take action to tackle this issue.
“This policy is a tough response to the small minority of residents who couldn’t care less about the rest of their street and leave their front gardens to rot.
“We think a short sharp shock will work and we’re writing to letting agents and landlords asking them to warn their tenants of the consequences of allowing their front gardens to deteriorate.
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 131 - Articles: 2
6:04 PM, 21st July 2014, About 12 years ago
Yes, thats the stuff Monty,
35% gardens – page 186 of http://democracy.walthamforest.gov.uk/documents/g3495/Public%20reports%20pack%2024th-Jun-2014%2014.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10
number of recorded ASB incidents by month:
January 2011 to March 2014.
Category
description
total events
and % of total
A
untidy or overgrown gardens
16,073
35.1
B
rubbish and fly tipping and litter
5,857
12.8
C
domestic and other noise
15,107
33.0
D
vehicle related
3,881
8.5
E
animal related
2,456
5.4
F
rowdy and offensive behaviour
317
0.7
G
other
2,142
4.7
total
45,833
100
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 131 - Articles: 2
3:58 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
A massive victory in Hyndburn for Paul Brown causes chaos for councils running selective licensing as 6 conditions of the Hyndburn Selective Licensing scheme (also used by other councils) are ruled out by the Residential Property Tribunal.
This sets a new precedent for the UK and changes the licensing landscape – no appeal has been lodged the council.
It is not known how many councils will suspend licensing given the outcome.
Paul Brown (the applicant) said “Licensing is not about property conditions and the council (now) can’t enforce these following on from this ruling”
The judgements are availible on PDF if you want to contact me. cheers.
Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 1130 - Articles: 2
4:23 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “chris wright” at “22/07/2014 – 15:58“:
That’s great news, Chris! Without having read the judgments, I would say while this is unlikely to stop licensing, councils will now be under pressure to work much harder and provide more robust proof that the current criteria has been satisfied – that is, unless and until the Local Government Association manages to get the law changed so councils can introduce it at will.
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 173 - Articles: 2
4:55 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “chris wright” at “22/07/2014 – 15:58“:
Hi Chris,
I’d like to see this decision please.
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 131 - Articles: 2
5:03 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
Sure thing, hopefully its ok with the Property118 team (?) go ahead and email me [email protected] and i’ll send the docs out.
Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3453 - Articles: 286
5:06 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
No Problem Chris as long as you are happy to give your email address out which you have already 🙂
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 173 - Articles: 2
5:08 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
Would it not be better for Chris to email the file to Property 118 and you post a link on the thread ?
Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3453 - Articles: 286
6:54 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
I can do that too 🙂
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 131 - Articles: 2
6:58 PM, 22nd July 2014, About 12 years ago
docs away chaps 🙂
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