Freedom of Information Act 2000 – selective landlord licensing scheme

Your request for information has now been considered. The Council holds the following information.

You asked:

1. Have you introduced a selective landlord licensing scheme?

Answer: No

2. When did you introduce your selective licensing scheme(s)? Is it borough wide or specific neighbourhoods?

Not applicable

3. What is the license fee (or fee structure)? How did you determine this structure? Does this make the scheme self-financing?

Not applicable

4. How has the income from the license fee been used to improve housing?

Not applicable

5. Since selective licensing was introduced, how many landlords have been prosecuted for a) failing to obtain a license under the selective licensing scheme and b) other offences under Parts 1 and 2 of the Housing Act 2004?

Not applicable

6. For the participating areas, what evidence do you have that your selective licensing scheme has impacted anti-social behaviour issues?

Not applicable

7. What evidence do you have that a) selective licensing has helped identify sub-par landlords and b) has improved conditions in the private rented sector?

Not applicable

8. If you do not participate in a selective landlord licensing scheme a) why not and b) do you have any alternative structures and or systems in place to evaluate landlords in the private rented sector?

There is to be an assessment as to whether selective licensing is an appropriate control measure subject to evidence supporting implementation. Currently, the Anti-Social Behaviour unit co-ordinate a multi-agency approach to combat anti-social behaviour. Most activity around private sector housing is restricted to a reactive response other than mandatory licensing of certain houses in multiple occupation.

The Housing Options Service manages lettings schemes to improve access to the private sector for customers. Landlords and properties are subject to meeting an eligibility criteria in relation to the accommodation being of an acceptable standard based upon the Housing, Health & Safety Ratings. Leicester City Council are also a partner in the Leicestershire Homefinder website, which includes an accreditation scheme for landlords and Leicester City Council hosts regular Landlord forums to promote initiatives and compliance in the Private Sector.

9. Do you have any plans to discuss the implementation of a selective landlord licensing scheme in the future?

See 8 above

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request please write to:

Information Governance

Leicester City Council

Legal Services

1st Floor, 16 New Walk

Leicester
LE1 6UB

e-mail: info.requests@leicester.gov.uk