Are you a student landlord in Leicester? Here’s what you need to know about the Selective Licensing Scheme and compliance deadlines.
If you’re a student landlord in Leicester, now is the time to act. With recent changes introduced by Leicester City Council, landlords are being held to stricter standards to ensure rental properties meet licensing requirements. Failing to comply could result in serious financial consequences, and the time to avoid them is running out.
What’s Changed?
On 9th October 2022, Leicester City Council introduced a selective licensing scheme that applies to private landlords renting properties in designated areas. The goal of this scheme is to improve the quality of rental accommodation and protect tenants from poor housing conditions.
Key Details of the Scheme:
- Landlords who applied for a licence within the first 18 months of the scheme (before 9th April 2024) were able to have their licences backdated to the start of the scheme.
- Early applicants could also qualify for a discounted licence fee, subject to certain conditions.
- The council assured landlords that they would not face prosecution and would be protected from rent repayment orders during this initial period.
However, this 18-month window has closed, and landlords who are still non-compliant after 9th April 2024 risk losing the protections previously offered by the council.
Read more on LCC’s Selective Licensing Scheme here.
Why Immediate Action is Necessary
Independent organisations such as Justice for Tenants are now stepping up efforts to enforce compliance. These groups are actively identifying unlicensed properties and bringing cases against non-compliant landlords. The risk? Legal action and substantial financial penalties.
Even if Leicester City Council hasn’t yet pursued you, third-party organisations can initiate cases that could lead to significant financial and reputational damage. Non-compliance could result in:
- Rent repayment orders: Landlords may be forced to return up to 12 months of rent to tenants.
- Prosecution: If your property is found to be unlicensed, you could face legal consequences.
This means that landlords cannot rely on the council’s leniency and should ensure that they comply with the licensing requirements before the deadline.
What Landlords Need to Do
Landlords who haven’t yet applied for the selective licence must do so immediately to avoid being targeted by enforcement efforts. Here’s what you need to know:
- Review Licensing Areas: Make sure you know if your property falls within the areas covered by the selective licensing scheme. You can enter your postcode into the link here to find out.
- Apply for Your Licence: Ensure that you meet the conditions for licensing and submit your application before 9th April 2024 to avoid potential penalties.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with any new regulations or requirements that might impact your responsibilities as a landlord.
Take Action Now
With compliance under scrutiny from both Leicester City Council and independent watchdogs, it’s essential that landlords act swiftly to avoid unnecessary legal battles and financial losses. Apply for your licence now, ensure you meet the criteria, and stay compliant.
Remember, protecting your investment begins with staying informed and upholding your legal responsibilities. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Sulets can help if you need any help preparing an application for Selective Licencing, this costs £250 + VAT (plus the application cost from the council). Contact us today if you need any help.