Birmingham Council announces UK’s biggest private renter licensing scheme

Birmingham City Council undertook extensive consultation before progressing the proposed scheme. This included meeting with Elected Members, focus groups and a flyer drop at all 125,000 properties in the 25 wards. Over 800 responses were received from landlords, residents (including tenants), and local businesses. There was significant support for the scheme from residents and business owners.

Responses included a call from residents outside the proposed wards to be included in the scheme. While this is not possible as their ward did not meet the original evidential thresholds set, officers have commenced gathering city wide data related to whether a potential additional licensing scheme should be pursued in these wards or areas.

Cllr Shabrana Hussain, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods for Birmingham City Council (BCC), said: ‘The aim of introducing the new scheme is to drive up standards across the private rented sector. As well as ensuring that all the properties provide fit and proper accommodation, we can also attach appropriate conditions covering issues from waste bins to tackling Anti Social Behaviour. In order to help landlords with their new responsibilities free training will be available.

‘The Selective Licensing Scheme will ensure that BCC has the powers to proactively identify private rented sector properties and join up with other services including the police to tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour that may impact on the neighbourhood. Improving standards will hopefully lead to a more stable community living in better accommodation that enable all tenants to reach their potential especially children.’

Due to the size of the scheme BCC are required to submit an application to government for approval of the scheme.  If approved it would be the largest scheme in the UK covering between 40,000- 50,000 properties with the cost of a licence to landlords will be £700 for up to five years.

The scheme is set to commence next year.

In related news, Birmingham City Council will launch an online portal where women experiencing domestic abuse can find advice and information on support services as part of a new campaign.