High Court upholds council’s landlord licensing scheme

The High Court has rejected a renewed attempt by worried landlords to stop a council’s selective licensing scheme, paving the way for the implementation of a £1,034 licence.

The latest hearing also landed the claimants with a £7,500 legal bill.

The ruling follows the court’s written decision on 13 March to dismiss the original judicial review claim, which allowed the council to begin implementing the scheme.

It follows another council’s court win in June to implement selective licensing in its area.

Most landlords meet the standard

Thurrock Council said: “Selective licensing is designed to improve housing standards in the borough’s private rented sector and ensure safer, better-quality housing for tenants.

“We know most landlords will meet this standard, and the council will continue to work with landlords to fully implement the scheme following months of uncertainty caused by the claim.”

The claimants in Thurrock had sought an oral hearing to challenge the decision.

However, the High Court again dismissed the judicial review and ruled that the scheme was lawful.

The council said the £7,500 awarded in costs would now be recovered and used to fund local services.

Luton’s landlords lost court case

Thurrock’s decision comes after landlords lost a separate challenge against licensing plans in Luton last month.

The Supreme Court refused an appeal by landlords and letting agents, clearing the way for selective licensing in parts of the town and additional HMO licensing across the borough.

Thurrock’s scheme was introduced in January after opposition from landlords and letting agents who argued that it was unnecessary, unfair and financially punitive.

The objectors were described as a collective of 193 local landlords and letting agents.

Their initial application was rejected, allowing the council to resume the scheme in March while the latest challenge continued.

Now, landlords covered by the scheme must pay £1,034 for a licence lasting five years.