Compliance with the Leicester Selective Licensing Scheme is a legal requirement – landlords in affected areas cannot avoid it (and there are over 8000 rented properties in the initial areas). We can also see it as a moral obligation for landlords. By obtaining a license and adhering to the scheme’s guidelines, landlords demonstrate their commitment to providing safe and suitable accommodation for their tenants. Compliance helps to enhance the overall living standards within the community, reducing risks, and promoting the welfare of residents.
The other reason why it is essential for you as a landlord to be compliant is the risk of fines that arise if you are not! The City Council started with a soft-touch regime of introduction of the Leicester Selective Licensing Scheme without fines while they encouraged landlords to get their licenses. However, this has only ever been a temporary status and fines are now a realistic possibility for any landlord that fails to take steps to secure their license.
In addition, as it is a legal requirement to have a Selective License, a property is in breach of the law without one. As such, a tenancy should not be granted and the Courts can therefore issue a Rent Repayment Order against a landlord – in other words, repayment to the tenant of ALL the rent paid during the tenancy.
We hate being the bearer of bad news where additional layers of bureaucracy are concerned, but in the best interests of those in the Leicester Selective Licensing areas we strongly urge landlords to either take their own steps to get compliant, or for a low-hassle approach to the issue use our Application Service which will secure your license and then keep you compliant.