This month an ‘early bird’ discount offer for landlords to sign up to a new selective licensing scheme in Liverpool was extended. The selective licensing scheme in the city was introduced back in April, with sixteen wards in the designation area. Landlords with a rental property in the designated areas of the scheme have until 31st July to apply for the licence to be able to qualify for the early bird discount.
Two new licensing schemes also started in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham this summer, after both selective licensing and additional licensing schemes in the borough ended on 4th June.
Elsewhere, new licensing consultations have opened this month in major cities including Birmingham and Nottingham. More information on these consultations can be read below in the usual roundup.
The NRLA aims to respond to all local property licensing consultations. We also encourage landlords to respond to consultations in their area, and we have developed a toolkit for NRLA members, containing information on how to do this.
Members can also keep up to date with current licensing schemes, regulations and consultations by using NRLA Licensing Support, powered by Kamma Data.
Current consultations
Sefton: selective licensing and additional licensing consultation (closes 31st July)
Sefton Council is currently running a consultation on the introduction of both selective and additional licensing schemes. The consultation is around whether the current schemes should be extended for a further five years, until 2028. Read more and have your say.
Portsmouth additional HMO licensing consultation (closes 31st July 2022)
There is also still time for landlords to respond to a consultation launched by Portsmouth City Council on plans to introduce a borough-wide additional HMO licensing scheme.
It is estimated 4,800 HMO properties would fall under the scheme, with an estimated 1,200 already affected by mandatory HMO licensing. For more information and to respond directly, click here.
Nottingham-selective licensing (closes 22nd August 2022)
In last month’s bulletin, we reported that Nottingham Council had announced a plan to consult on selective licensing proposals.
This month, the consultation went live, with landlords and members of the public invited to share their views on the plans that would affect many privately rented properties across the city.
In addition to responding to the consultation, the council is inviting those who wish to find out more to register for an online or in person event during the consultation period. Details on these events, and how to respond directly to this consultation, can be read online here.
Birmingham: Additional licensing consultation (closes 13th September)
This month Birmingham City Council launched a consultation seeking views on a proposed additional licensing scheme which would cover all 69 wards in Birmingham and last for five years, if approved. Respond directly to the consultation here.
Manchester: expansion of current licensing scheme
A public consultation launched on 21st June seeking opinions on the proposed expansion of Selective Licensing to four new areas of Manchester – covering more than 1,400 homes. Selective licensing is already operating in Crumpsall, Old Moat, Moston and Rusholme. To learn more, click here