Landlords urged to register for new scheme that aims to improve housing standards in Great Yarmouth
With the introduction of a new licensing scheme for privately rented properties in Great Yarmouth, landlords and letting agents are being urged to take advantage of a range of resources to offer advice and support.
A new Selective Licensing Scheme came into operation this month and private landlords have until June 30 to apply and complete the necessary paperwork.
The introduction of the scheme - which mirrors those in operation in many other places across the country - followed a public consultation and the council says it will help ensure a thriving housing market where people have homes that are healthy, safe and efficient.
The scheme covers the Nelson Ward, Central and Northgate Ward, Southtown and Cobholm Ward and eight streets in Yarmouth North Ward - an area of about 5,000 homes covering about 60 per cent of the borough's privately rented properties.
The council says it is designed to improve housing standards by making sure homes meet minimum standards and will promote better letting management practices, ensuring that properties are well-maintained and tenants' rights respected.
It now means landlords can be held accountable for the condition and management of their properties via enforcement of legal standards.
A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: ''Over the past few months we have been meeting with landlords and agents and have hosted a number of successful drop-in and online sessions to help explain what people need to do to make sure they comply with the new scheme.
''We have already received more than 350 applications and things are bedding in well, but we want to do all we can to make sure people have all the information they need to successfully obtain a licence.
''More 'onboarding' events are planned and we have teams on hand to help landlords and agents understand what they need do. Fortunately, it is not an onerous process and more information about what resources are available can be found online at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/selective-licensing-scheme. Our team is available to answer queries from landlords and can be contacted on 01493 846636 or by email at [email protected].''
The Selective Licensing Scheme will see a property inspection programme introduced to identify and remedy hazards to health and safety and to ensure licence conditions are met. Certification relating to gas safety, electrical safety and energy efficiency will also be monitored.
Ahead of proposing the scheme, the council carried out a feasibility study which included gathering and analysing data about demographics and the condition of rental accommodation in the borough.
Research revealed there is little evidence to show rents have risen due to licence fees being introduced in other parts of the country with similar schemes. The consultation showed many people thought it would have a positive impact on the local community.
The scheme will last for five years and is not allowed to make a profit. The costs of running the scheme will be self financing and are covered by a licence fee of £694 for landlords - a reduction from the £784 which was originally proposed.
The GYBC spokesperson said: ''We have existing powers around housing, but this will allow us to more effectively deal with a range of issues that affect people. We will be better able to tackle health hazards and overcrowding - which is a real problem for some people.
''We know the majority of landlords want to do the best they can for tenants but, where standards are not good enough, we can now hold people accountable.''
