Landlords face charge to let out homes under plans

If approved, all private landlords in Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown would have to buy a licence from the council

Private landlords could be charged to let out homes if a new licensing policy is approved.

Council leaders in Stockton will consider the new “selective licensing” policy later, with recommendations to approve the five-year plans.

The proposals intend to improve rented property conditions and management.

Private Landlords Supporting Stockton (PLuSS) said it respected the good intentions but argued the costs would discourage investment by landlords.

Under the proposals, all private landlords in Stockton, North Thornaby and Newtown would have to buy a licence from the council to rent out homes, with conditions including making properties safe and dealing with anti-social behaviour.

'Tackle rogue landlords'

The council, which is run by Labour as a minority administration, said it would have the power to take action against landlords who fail to manage their properties and put tenants in unsafe homes.

Unlicensed landlords could face unlimited fines or civic penalties up to £30,000, and fines up to £5,000 for licence breaches.

Landlords would pay £653 per home under the proposals – £178 to apply for a licence, £100 more for late applications, then a £95 annual fee.

The council said it sent out 5,600 leaflets, contacted 260 landlords and sent 426 letters to landlords and letting agents promoting a questionnaire.

It said it received 99 responses from landlords or letting agents, 82 of whom disagreed with the scheme, with three backing it.

The National Residential Landlords' Association (NRLA) said landlords could not resolve tenants’ mental health issues or manage behaviour, found overcrowding issues complicated to manage, and asserted the council had enforcement powers against poor standards.

Safeagent, a scheme for lettings and management agents, said the highest priority should be "tackling rogue landlords and agents, not policing the compliant".

The council replied it did not expect landlords to be responsible for tenants’ behaviour, just to include tenancy agreement clauses on anti-social behaviour, take action to tackle it and manage tenancies.

It said it had to take steps to address “large-scale” issues and did not seek to make a profit.