Our licensing update this month takes a look at the usual roundup of licensing news.
Though a quieter month for ‘live’ local licensing consultations, in part due to local elections, this month new licensing schemes came into force in Liverpool and County Durham.
As of 1st April 2022, it has been a requirement for all privately rented homes across sixteen wards in Liverpool to have a selective licence. More information on this scheme, including the early bird discount, can be read in this article.
Over in County Durham, a large licensing scheme also came into force on 1st April 2022. The scheme is expected to cover around 29,000 homes and will last for five years. To read more and apply for a licence, click here.
Elsewhere, it was announced that a new selective licensing scheme has been given the go ahead in Oldham. This scheme will come into force on 4th July 2022, and the areas it will apply to, plus information on fees, are detailed on the council’s webpages.
Meanwhile in Sefton, the council has announced its intention to launch a consultation on introducing an additional licensing scheme in May, following the local elections.
Secretary of State approval
When a proposed licensing scheme covers more than 20% of the private rented sector in the borough, the Secretary of State must give approval for the scheme to go ahead.
The Secretary of State has given Oxford City Council the green light to introduce a large licensing scheme in the city from 1st September 2022.
The selective licensing scheme will apply to all privately rented homes in Oxford, and will last for five years.
According to the council’s website, it is estimated that half of all Oxford’s homes are now in the private rented sector, with 15% of these being HMOs (which already require a licence in the city).
To read more about the scheme, fees, and to apply for a licence, click here.
This month he approved a new selective licensing scheme in Burnley, while plans to introduce a new scheme in Haringey have also be sent for approval. Keep an eye on future licensing blogs for updates.
Licensing support for members
Don’t forget, NRLA members can access instant and accurate licensing information by registering with NRLA Licensing Support, powered by Kamma Data.
Landlords can also learn more about property licensing schemes and advice on responding to consultations, by visiting the NRLA’s Licensing Toolkit.