Concerns raised over landlord licensing scheme to crack down on poor housing conditions

Rotherham Council has proposed that the scheme cover six areas: Brinsworth, Dinnington, Eastwood, East Dene, Clifton, Town Centre, Boston Castle, Masbrough, Parkgate, and Thurcroft.

Landlords in certain areas would be required to obtain a licence to rent out their properties.

The aim is to improve the quality of housing, reduce anti-social behaviour, and tackle issues like crime and poor living conditions. To get a licence, landlords must meet specific conditions, such as ensuring their property is safe and well-maintained.

The proposed licensing scheme includes stricter overcrowding standards in some areas and a new condition regarding cannabis cultivation in all areas.

Landlords in selective licensing areas will be required to pay a £210 administrative fee and a £785 maintenance fee. There are also discounts available for early applications, as well as for landlords with a good track record in property management.

During yesterday’s (March 5) full council meeting, Councillor Taiba Yasseen raised concerns about the potential impact of the fees on tenants.

Councillor Yasseen questioned whether the proposed fee hikes would lead to higher rents, making housing unaffordable for some of the town’s poorest residents.

“With the council already struggling to accommodate rising homelessness cases, can you guarantee that those affected won’t end up in Carlton Park hotel or other hotels due to an inability to pay higher rents?” Asked coun Yasseen.

Councillor Sarah Allen responded that the fee for the license would not have to be passed on to tenants, adding that ‘some landlords choose to do so’.

Coun Allen added: “The landlord can decide, as part of their social conscience, do not do so. RMBC has a homelessness and rough sleeping strategy, which quite clearly states that it is our intention to stop the routine use of hotels for temporary accommodation.

“When someone presents as emergency homeless, would we rather turn them away instead of using a hotel as our only available option?

“The current license fee of £521 has already been a feature of the housing market for the last five years, and without significant homelessness being attributed to the selective licensing declaration.

“The alternative to this sort of scheme is that significant number of Rotherham residents are forced into accommodation that’s not safe, and not for for human habitation. ”

.The council is inviting private tenants, landlords, agents, businesses, and residents to take part in the consultation, which will remain open until 17 March 2025.