Selective licensing of privately rented homes

Overview

Leicester City Council is considering the introduction of Selective Licensing to areas of the city where there are high levels of private rented accommodation. These include parts of:

• Braunstone Park and Rowley Fields
• Castle
• Fosse
• Saffron
• Stoneygate
• Westcotes

The scheme could also be introduced to other parts of the city if it was considered appropriate.

Under Selective Licensing anyone who rents out a property in a designated area would be required to be licensed by Leicester City Council. The council will check that the landlord is a 'fit and proper person' and, through compliance with licensing conditions, is providing safe and well managed accommodation. A landlord in breach of their licence may be issued a civil penalty or be prosecuted.

Selective Licensing schemes and other measures that might be necessary to improve the social or economic conditions of the area are funded by licensing fees. The schemes run for a period of up to five years.

Selective Licensing schemes have been established in many places around the country, with local authorities reporting the following benefits for their communities:

• Better housing
• Increased housing demand
• Reduced crime and anti-social behaviour
• Image of the neighbourhood is improved and more desirable to live in
• Improved security and more settled communities
• Reduced number of empty properties
• Reduced environmental problems, such as graffiti, litter and fly-tipping
• Protection of vulnerable people who currently live in poor condition properties.

Leicester City Council is working towards a Selective Licensing scheme for less that 20% of the city’s private rented sector and less that 20% of the city’s  geographical area. This means that the designation can be made by Leicester City Council and does not require confirmation by the Secretary of State.

Map indicating areas under consideration for Selective Licensing

Why your views matter

This is an initial consultation to seek the views of local residents and stakeholders about the introduction of a scheme of Selective Licensing of privately rented homes. Your responses will help development of the case for Selective Licensing.