Since the launch of Peterborough City Council’s new licensing scheme in March, over 7,000 landlords have applied for the required licence. This scheme, known as Selective Licensing, mandates that landlords in designated areas of the city secure a five-year licence to demonstrate that their properties meet established standards.
Beginning next month, the council will roll out a property inspection programme as part of this initiative. The inspections aim to ensure that all rental properties comply with the required quality and safety standards, helping to improve living conditions for tenants and uphold housing standards across the city.
During the consultation period and various landlord forums, several concerns were raised about the complexity of the licensing application process. To address these issues, the council introduced a new, simplified online application and licence management portal. This portal is designed to make it easier for landlords to complete their applications and manage their licences.
As of now, the council has issued 1,759 draft licences and over 500 final licences. They expect all draft licences for valid applications to be finalised by October. Additionally, the council aims to have all final licences fully issued by the end of November. This timeline ensures that the licensing process is completed efficiently and landlords are able to meet the new requirements within the specified deadlines.
A spokesperson for Peterborough Council commented, “We are very pleased with the initial response to the Selective Licensing scheme. It is clear that a significant number of landlords in the designated areas are dedicated to maintaining high standards of housing for their tenants. This shows a strong commitment to providing quality living conditions.
“We encourage any landlords who have not yet applied to reach out to us as soon as possible to ensure they are compliant with the new requirements. Our goal is to work closely with all involved parties to ensure that accommodation standards are improved city-wide.
“The council’s commitment extends beyond simply enforcing regulations. We aim to foster collaboration with both partners and landlords to enhance overall housing quality. This initiative is a key part of our broader objective to create robust and sustainable communities, which is essential for the well-being and quality of life of all residents in Peterborough.”
As part of the new Selective Licensing scheme, a property inspection programme is set to commence in September. The council aims to ensure that landlords are well-informed about this process by hosting three forums on 30 August. These forums will offer detailed information about the inspection programme, including what landlords should anticipate and how they can prepare.
The purpose of these forums is to provide clarity on how the inspections will be conducted and what specific requirements landlords will need to meet. This will help landlords understand the standards their properties must adhere to and the procedures they should follow during the inspection process.
Landlords should be aware that it is a legal requirement to obtain a Selective Licence for properties located in designated areas. Renting out a property without the necessary licence constitutes a legal violation. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in severe financial penalties.
The financial repercussions for non-compliance can be substantial. Landlords who operate without a licence may face fines of up to £30,000 or, in more serious cases, unlimited fines imposed by the court. Additionally, there is the possibility of being ordered to repay up to 12 months’ worth of rent collected from tenants.
The council is prioritising the enforcement of these regulations and is actively reviewing cases for potential prosecution. With the inspection programme and the new licensing requirements in place, landlords are encouraged to apply for their licences promptly to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with the scheme.
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