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Tue 26 Jun 2012
The London borough of Newham has announced it is to be the first council to require compulsory licensing of all private landlords from January 1, 2013.
The licensing scheme will cover an estimated 35,000 private tenancies, representing one in three of all the borough’s households.Newham Council says it made the decision after consulting extensively with residents, private sector tenants, landlords and lettings agencies: 74% of residents and 76% of private tenants supported the scheme. Interestingly there is no mention of the percentage support from Landlords and lettings agents.
The scheme requires private landlords to pay £150 for a five-year licence if they register before 31stDecember 2012; otherwise the full fee is £500. Landlords who fail to get a licence face fines of up to £20,000.
The move by Newham council is unlikely to be welcomed by law abiding private landlords who will know doubt view this as unnecessary cost, as for other local authorities they’ll be keeping their beady eye on this as a useful way to generate revenue in these challenging economic times.
Living Property,www.livingproperty.co, 26/06/12
"I have rented two properties from Living Property, 1 commercial and 1 family home. I have found them to be highly professional in their management of these properties. They have been more than fair in all their dealings with me and do everything possible to help with any problems. One example was over a New Year bank holiday weekend our central heating failed, Kim immediately offered to come out with heaters and arranged for an emergency heating engineer to attend the next day, fantastic service. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them whether your a landlord or tenant. MT, Beccles. "