Almost 1,000 applications received for new scheme that aims to improve housing in Great Yarmouth

The Selective Licensing Scheme was introduced last month, and landlords have six more weeks to apply and complete the necessary paperwork to make sure they comply with its requirements.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has so far had 931 applications for the scheme - with another 391 in progress. After the June 30 deadline, landlords risk receiving a civil penalty or being prosecuted if their property is not registered. 

The council said it has held a number of well-attended training sessions to help landlords make an application and is offering one-to-one sessions for anyone who needs assistance. 

The introduction of the scheme - which will last for five years and mirrors those in operation 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.

Councillor Paul Wells, GYBC's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''We are really pleased with the way in which landlords have been responding and the level of applications we've received so far.

''We know the majority of landlords want to provide good quality housing for their tenants and our team is on hand to provide support and advice around acquiring a licence.

''The scheme will enable the council to work with landlords to make sure legal standards around health and safety are met and to ensure certification relating to gas safety, electrical safety and energy efficiency is in place.

''We are determined to do all we can to make sure privately rented homes are safe and secure for tenants in communities which sometimes have issues around overcrowding and poor housing.

''It is important that people realise the scheme is not allowed to make money - it is simply to improve standards for people who rent their homes. The entire cost of the licence - £694 for five years - pays for inspections and administration, nothing else.''

The scheme applies to the Nelson Ward, Central and Northgate Ward, Southtown and Cobholm Ward and eight streets in Yarmouth North Ward - an area of about 5,000 rented homes covering about 60 per cent of the borough's privately rented properties.

The council says licensing will make 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.

Councillor Wells said: ''We have existing powers around housing but, where standards are not good enough, we can now hold people accountable.

''I would urge any landlords who have not applied for a licence to do so promptly. People should be aware that the starting point for a civil penalty - before taking into account mitigating or aggravating circumstances - is £9,000, but a prosecution could lead to an unlimited fine. Clearly that is something we want to avoid happening.''

Anyone who needs Information about how to make an application can find out more at Selective Licensing Scheme - Great Yarmouth Borough Council.  People can also contact the team directly 01493 846636 for advice and support.