In a recent development, Blackpool landlords have expressed deep concerns over the potential implementation of a new licensing scheme, warning that it could force them to sell their properties and leave vulnerable tenants without homes. The proposed licensing scheme, put forth by the local council, would cover approximately 11,000 privately rented properties in the poorest areas of the town.
Landlords argue that the scheme would add a significant financial burden, with hundreds of pounds in license fees on top of escalating mortgage rates and other expenses. Many landlords, claiming to already provide quality housing, fear that they may have no choice but to either pass the costs onto tenants through increased rents or sell their properties, making the rental market unsustainable. This could, in turn, lead to higher rents in a town where three-bedroom homes already command an average monthly rent of around £600.
The proposed selective licensing scheme aims to cover eight specific wards, including Bloomfield, Brunswick, Claremont, Talbot, Tyldesley, Warbreck, Waterloo, and Victoria. Town hall officials argue that the scheme, covering a five-year period, could cost landlords as little as £69 per year. The initiative seeks to improve housing quality for tenants in the designated areas.
Dawn Smith, representing a network of Blackpool landlords owning and managing around 200 properties in the affected regions, suggests that the council should focus on targeting bad landlords using existing powers rather than imposing additional financial burdens on responsible property owners.
Smith stated, “I simply cannot afford the selective licenses, so my tenants will have to pay. How will they afford it in the current climate? I already have one sale going through and others will follow for sure if this comes in.” She emphasized the potential impact on vulnerable tenants, forcing them to find alternative accommodation under stressful and costly circumstances.
Riccy Caunce, another landlord in the network, expressed concern that the license costs would be passed on to tenants through rent increases, exacerbating financial strain in an already challenging market. Caunce asserted that government and council policies are pushing landlords out of the market, leaving only unscrupulous property owners who do not maintain their properties.
While landlords express support for the council’s goal of ensuring decent housing for tenants, they argue that existing powers, such as the Decent Homes standard, can achieve this without the need for additional licensing. They suggest utilizing information held by environmental health and safety certificate records to identify and address substandard properties.
Councillor Mark Smith, cabinet member for levelling up – place, defended the proposed scheme, stating, “The proposed selective licensing scheme will enable us to take a proactive approach to inspection and allow us to get behind the front door of every property in the area to protect our residents and make sure they are living in safe and suitable housing.”
The scheme offers discounts to landlords, including reductions for meeting The Blackpool Standard, having a high EPC rating, and early application within the first three months. The consultation period for the scheme closed on January 7, with approval from the government pending.
Landlords wishing to support the network can contact bpoollandlords@outlook.com. The fate of the scheme now rests on government approval, with landlords anxiously awaiting the outcome.