Four landlords are deliberating pursuing a judicial review following the announcement of a council’s intent to extend its licensing scheme, raising considerable dissent within Middlesbrough’s real estate community.
The Middlesbrough council’s ongoing consultation proposes an extension of its Selective Landlord Licensing scheme to encompass another ward. Initially implemented in North Ormesby and Newport ward, the council hails the scheme as a catalyst for substantial neighbourhood enhancements. Satisfied with the purported improvements, the council now seeks to introduce a parallel initiative in Newport ward.
However, discord arises over the proposed £998 fee for a five-year license, termed ‘eye-watering’ by a vocal landlord who, along with three others, is contemplating legal recourse. Preferring anonymity, one landlord conveyed to the Yorkshire Post, “We are going to try and stop it, but if we aren’t granted permission for that challenge, we are going to look at using legal loopholes to avoid paying it.”
Criticism mounts as another landlord contends, “They are starting off again six months before the current scheme even ends and putting up the fees astronomically. They do not seem to have listened to the complaints made about pricing, still wanting a large upfront fee with a small reduction in year five.”
Expressing dissatisfaction, the dissenting voices echo a sentiment of defiance. “It’s time now to say enough is enough and either stop or boycott the scheme,” stated another landlord.
In defence of the proposed fee, the council maintains it reflects the costs associated with organizing and enforcing the scheme. Additionally, the council proposes a reduced fee for license applications within the final 12 months of the scheme.
Citing the success of the existing, albeit smaller, scheme, the council asserts tangible benefits such as improved property standards and a decrease in antisocial behaviour within the designated areas.
A council spokesperson defended the scheme, emphasizing its role in distinguishing commendable landlords. “It rewards good landlords because if they are on the list, obviously the housing is up to scratch. It stops the bad landlords who are just there to make money and don’t care about the community, don’t care about the area.”
As deliberations intensify between dissenting landlords and the council, the future of the proposed licensing extension remains uncertain, amidst a backdrop of diverging viewpoints regarding its efficacy and implications for Middlesbrough’s real estate landscape.