Friday 11 April 2014

Another council to introduce mandatory licencing for all landlords

Cabinet members have passed proposals to bring in a licensing scheme for private landlords.

Enfield Borough Council’s cabinet voted last night to pass the scheme, which introduces a compulsory licence that will cost £500 over five years.

The council has brought this in to stop rogue landlords and ensure property owners adopt health and safety measures.

Landlord Graham Roberts, who spoke at the meeting last night, believes the idea of tackling anti-social behaviour by targeting landlords doesn’t add up.

He said: “No report can suggest that private rented households cause anti-social behaviour. One correlation in data does not automatically mean it is just down to that one thing.

“What the council needs to understand is that we are not against the idea of tackling antisocial behaviour, but they should at least invite experienced landlords to help combat this issue. Whether they will or not remains to be seen.

"The scheme feels like it is stigmatising landlords, it is not about the fee."

Mr Roberts made it clear that any representation last night did not come from group Stop Enfield, which has been rallying support against the scheme.

Councillor Ahmet Oykener, cabinet member for housing, said: “The council wishes to support the development of good quality private rented sector in Enfield, and support private landlords to achieve this by setting clear standards.”

Cllr Oykener also claimed that if landlords signed up early they get a reduction of 50 per cent by signing up before April 2015.

The plan will go before the overview and scrutiny panel on April 30.

Click here to read the original article: "Cabinet passes landlord register scheme"