Sheffield landlords told to get licence to continue renting out properties

Landlords with properties in certain parts of Sheffield are being reminded they have until November 1 to obtain a licence for every private rented property they control.
London RoadLondon Road
London Road

All landlords in certain parts of London Road, Abbeydale Road and Chesterfield Road are being urged to apply now for a licence so that they can continue to rent out their properties to tenants.

The new Selective Licensing scheme which comes into effect from November 1 this year, means that landlords must have a licence for every private rented property they control.

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Sheffield City Council says the scheme is designed to make sure that landlords can only rent out properties of a satisfactory standard, and that they manage them well.

Councillor Jim Steinke, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety said: “It’s our responsibility to make sure that all private sector tenants live in homes that are well-cared for and safe and that’s why this selective licensing scheme is so important – we’re asking landlords to apply for their licences as soon as they can so that things run smoothly for both landlords and tenants in the area.

“We’ve seen good progress with some landlords who have worked with us voluntarily to make significant improvements to the safety and standard of their properties.

“We want all properties out there to provide a safe environment, that people want to live in. No-one wants to be chasing their landlord every five minutes because the property they live in is not up to the mark.”

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According to the council, many properties in the area are in need of repair and maintenance.

A spokesman said: "In the past three years the council has been working intensively in the London Road, Abbeydale Road and Chesterfield Road areas as a result of increased complaints and referrals.

"Landlords who the council understands own private rented property within the Selective Licensing area will receive a licence application form by post in August. If landlords who own property in the area do not receive an application form in the post they should contact the council on the telephone number below.

Landlords must submit a valid application before November 1, 2018. The application form comes with clear guidance notes to allow for easy and correct completion. There will be a 2 stage fee, with £500 paid at the time of application. If the forms are fully and correctly completed and all requested documents are included and valid there will be a second payment of £250.

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"Landlords that do not fully and correctly complete the form, do not provide all documentation required, or provide fraudulent information, will have a higher second payment of £500 to pay. Those that do not apply at all, or who have to be chased, will pay a total of £1,500. In addition, landlords that don’t comply will be liable for prosecution (as it will be a criminal offence) and/or financial penalties."

The Selective Licensing scheme is being implemented after a period of consultation with landlords, tenants, residents and business in the area.

Landlords who have any queries or questions about the licensing process or the application form can call Private Housing Standards on 0114 2734680.

More about the Selective Licensing scheme, including a full address list of the properties included and how to apply for a licence can be found here.