Peterborough City Council has given the green light to a new licensing initiative designed to elevate standards in the private rented sector. This selective licensing scheme will be implemented in areas with significant levels of privately rented accommodations. While some regions from the previous scheme (2016-2021) are retained, landlords must verify if their properties fall within the updated designated areas.
In collaboration with Home Safe, Peterborough City Council will oversee the application process, deviating from the previous setup. Landlords are now required to directly apply to Home Safe, which will handle the application process on behalf of the Council.
The application portal is set to launch on March 11, 2024, marking the scheme's commencement. Failure to apply for a license may result in enforcement action, leading to an unlimited fine or a Civil Penalty of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution.
To secure a license, landlords must meet specific standards, including possessing a gas safety certificate, functional smoke alarms, and safe electrical appliances and furniture. Compliance with these conditions is mandatory for obtaining a license.
Additionally, landlords must fulfill other criteria, such as monitoring overcrowding, addressing anti-social behavior, legally evicting tenants involved in criminal activities, ensuring well-maintained properties at the start of each tenancy, and educating tenants on waste storage and disposal responsibilities.
The licensing fee is £608 if applied within the first 30 days and £908 for the remaining 5-year duration. Renting a property without a Selective Licence in designated areas becomes an offense. Non-compliance may result in civil penalties or court fines, and landlords might be required to repay up to 12 months' rent. In extreme cases, the council could consider revoking the license and assuming property management responsibilities.
Landlords, management agents, and tenants in designated areas are urged to check the impact of the new scheme on their properties. Detailed information on the scheme and the application process can be found at https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/housing/selective-licensing/selective-licensing-overview, with additional details forthcoming in the coming weeks.
