Oxford Council, a labour controlled council, is expecting it’s new licensing scheme to be passed today (10th March)
The scheme has had mixed feedback from landlords and agents on one hand and the council and tenants on the other.
The council are hoping to renew an additional HMO Licensing scheme as well as bring in selective licensing to cover all privately rented homes in Oxford.
The scheme is that big that it will need government approval.
Licensing is spreading
Other councils throughout the UK are likely to be watching the outcome of the vote and implementation of the scheme as council licensing becomes seemingly more and more popular.
The council carried out a consultation on their plans for extending HMO Licensing and bringing in selective licensing for the rest of the cities rented accommodation.
72% supported renewing the HMO Scheme and more than two thirds also agreed with the introduction of selective licensing.
Around 50% of Oxford houses are privately rented.
Oxford Council Leading the charge
Oxford was the first council in England to bring in a scheme requiring all HMOs to be licenced in 2011, a move which other councils promptly followed.
Oxford Labour councillor Alex Hollingsworth says: “We recognise there are strong differences of opinion between landlords and agents on the one hand, and tenants, residents and organisational representatives on the other. However, there is broad consensus that there are issues in the private rented sector which do need addressing and we believe that licensing is the best way of doing this.”
And he continues: “Half of homes in Oxford are now privately rented, so bringing in licensing across the whole sector will help us to deliver on our plans to protect tenants, drive up standards and crack down on rogue landlords. A clear majority of tenants and residents agree with our approach and back our plans.
“But licensing isn’t just good for tenants and residents generally. Renewing additional HMO and licensing all privately rented homes will protect the majority of landlords and agents who do a good job. Tenants will have the confidence that they are responsible landlords and agents as rogue operators are driven out of the market.”
Only 30% of Landlords in favour
In the consultation, Landlords and agents had a different view on the implementation of the schemes. Only a third of Landlords and Agents agreed with the idea of selective licensing with nearly two thirds opposed.
Failure to comply with the schemes can lead to landlords facing large fines which in the case of HMOs can be in excess of £100k and even being banned from being a landlord.
Always get expert advice and if you run into problems with a council, speak to a professional.
Your council could be watching.
If you have a large property or HMO but with all the uncertainty in the market and potential licensing issues, you are considering your options, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We specialise in these types of properties and can help you to evaluate your options.
Call 0161 850 5588 or email info@armisteadproperty.co.uk
Thanks for reading
Peter Armistead
Founder, Armistead Property
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