# Nottingham City Council Receives Approval for Controversial Selective Licensing Scheme
In an announcement that has sparked both support and opposition, Nottingham City Council has been given the green light by Michael Gove to proceed with one of the UK’s most expensive and controversial selective licensing schemes. The scheme, which will require all rental properties within 20 boroughs of Nottingham to be licensed, will commence on December 1st. Despite facing vociferous opposition from local landlords, the scheme has been passed, with the council justifying the measure by claiming that it will provide private tenants with better quality accommodation and protection against bad landlords.
The selective licensing scheme, which will cover approximately 30,000 properties, has faced criticism from various quarters, including the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and the East Midlands Property Owners (EMPO). However, the council remains committed to implementing the scheme, stating that it has gathered evidence of poorer property conditions in certain areas of the city. By introducing the scheme, the council aims to ensure that private tenants have a clearer understanding of their landlord’s responsibilities regarding home maintenance, security, and overall property management.
## What Landlords Need to Know
Despite concerns raised by landlords and agents, the council has acknowledged the complexity of the application process and intends to simplify the form used for the previous scheme. Landlords who were licensed under the previous scheme will not need to request a new license until their existing one expires. However, those with properties covered by the licensing scheme for the first time will need to apply after September 1st.
The licensing fees have been a contentious issue, with the NRLA referring to them as a “landlord tax.” Non-accredited owners will be subject to the highest rates, with a fee of £1,118 over five years. However, accredited owners who have obtained the Nottingham Standard Rental Accreditation through DASH or Unipol will pay a lower rate.
## Improving Reputation and Housing Quality
Councilor Jay Hayes, the City Council Housing Portfolio Holder, believes that obtaining a license will enable landlords to demonstrate their commitment to providing decent quality housing to tenants. The council aims to work closely with landlords to help them meet the license conditions. Furthermore, the council expects that the scheme will enhance both the reputation of private landlords and Nottingham’s reputation for providing quality housing.
## Expanding on the Topic: The Impact of Selective Licensing Schemes
Selective licensing schemes have become an increasingly popular tool for local authorities to address issues related to private rented accommodation. While these schemes aim to improve the standards of rental properties and protect the rights of tenants, they have garnered mixed reactions from landlords and industry associations.
Proponents argue that selective licensing schemes are necessary to address the prevalence of substandard housing, inadequate management practices, and issues related to tenant safety. They believe that requiring landlords to obtain licenses will ensure that they adhere to certain standards, provide better management, and maintain the habitability of rented properties. Additionally, these schemes can help authorities identify rogue landlords and take appropriate action against them.
However, opponents of selective licensing schemes highlight several concerns. They argue that such schemes impose a financial burden on landlords, leading to increased rents and potentially reducing the availability of affordable housing. Some landlords also claim that the licensing requirements are excessive and complex, adding an unnecessary administrative burden. Moreover, they argue that existing legislation and enforcement measures are sufficient to address issues with problematic landlords, and the focus should be on improving enforcement rather than introducing licensing schemes.
Despite the ongoing debate, selective licensing schemes continue to be implemented across various cities in the UK. It remains to be seen whether these schemes effectively achieve the desired outcomes of improving housing standards, protecting tenants, and fostering better landlord-tenant relationships.
## Conclusion
Nottingham City Council’s approval of a controversial selective licensing scheme has given rise to both support and opposition. While the scheme aims to enhance the quality of private rented accommodation and protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords, landlords and industry associations have raised concerns about the financial burden and administrative complexities associated with the scheme. As the city prepares for the implementation of the scheme, the impact it will have on housing standards, affordability, and landlord-tenant relationships remains to be seen.
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**Sources:**
– [LandlordZONE: “City Launches Consultation on Eye-Watering New Fees for HMOs”](https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/city-launches-consultation-on-eye-watering-new-fees-for-hmos/)
– [Nottingham City Council: Quality Housing for All](https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/qualityhousingforall)
– [Nottingham City Council: Nottingham Standard Rental Accreditation](https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/nottinghamstandard)
– [Appendix 2 – SL2 Ward Coverage of Designation](https://committee.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/documents/s141765/Appendix2SL2WardCoverageofDesignation.pdf)
**Image Sources:**
– [Money-Saving Tips](https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/sponsored/money-matters-with-costs-skyrocketing-the-experts-at-belvoir-offer-some-great-money-saving-tips-for-landlords/)
– [Jay Hayes](https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jay-hayes-nottingham.jpg)
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Michael Gove has given Nottingham City Council the green light to proceed with one of the UK’s most expensive and controversial selective licensing schemes.
Must start December 1ststreetwill require all rental properties within 20 of its boroughs to be licensed and has been passed despite vociferous opposition from local landlords, as LandlordZONE has reported in recent months, including how both the NRLA and EMPO have criticized the scheme.
Some 30,000 properties will be covered by the new rules, which, while slightly smaller than the previous one that expires today, is still large enough to need approval from the Secretary of State.
The council has justified the measure by claiming that it will give private tenants “better quality accommodation and management, as well as protection against bad landlords”, says a statement from the council.
“Tenants will also know what is expected of their landlord in terms of home maintenance, security, and management.
“It will be introduced in areas of the city where the council has gathered evidence of poorer property conditions.
“Owners of private rental properties in certain parts of the city will soon have to comply with a series of conditions and ensure good management of their properties.”
Bad way
The council appears to have heard the concerns of some landlords, saying it is simplifying the labyrinthine form that landlords and agents were forced to use when applying for the previous scheme, which ran from 2018 until now.
Owners licensed under that scheme will not need request a new one until the existing one runs out, while those with properties covered by the scheme for the first time will need to apply after September 1.street.
Its highest rates, which have been described by the NRLA as a ‘landlord tax’, will be £1,118 over five years for non-accredited owners, with accredited owners paying a lower rate.
‘Accredited’ means owners who have Nottingham Standard Rental Accreditation through DASH or Unipol.
Councilor Jay Hayes (pictured), City Council Housing Portfolio Holder, says: “Having a license will allow landlords to demonstrate that they provide decent quality housing to tenants, and we will work with landlords to help them achieve the license conditions.
“We believe the scheme will enhance the reputation of private landlords, as well as Nottingham’s reputation for providing quality housing.”
Read a full list of venues covered in whole or in part by the scheme.
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