The Housing Act 2004 allows local authorities to apply for Selective Licensing of privately rented properties in areas which are experiencing low housing demand and/or suffering from anti-social behaviour.

The changes

From 1 April 2015, local authorities in England are required to obtain confirmation from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for any Selective Licensing scheme which would cover more than 20 per cent of their geographical area or would affect more than 20 per cent of privately rented homes in the local authority area.

The criteria for Selective Licensing was also expanded. It covers areas experiencing poor property conditions, an influx of migration, a high level of deprivation or high levels of crime.

Migration refers to the movement of people from one area to another. It includes migration within a country and is not restricted to migration from overseas.

Who needs a licence?

Each privately rented property in the designated Selective Licence area will be required to be licensed. A licensee can be the landlord or a letting agent.

Selective Licences do not apply to Registered Social Landlords, any property which is an HMO and is already licensed under Part Two of the Housing Act 2004 or for a property where a Temporary Exemption Notice or a Management Order is in force.

When we find out more information on this we will publish it. Devon Rose.