Small HMO landlords in York will need an additional licence in eight of the city's wards from 1^st April after the council gave a new scheme the go-ahead.

Clifton, Fishergate, Fulford and Heslington, Guildhall, Heworth, Hull Road, Micklegate and Osbaldwick and Derwent - which have the highest densities of HMOs in the city - are covered by the scheme following two rounds of 10-week consultations last year.

York Residential Landlords Association (YRLA) had worked with NRLA lawyer David Smith (pictured) to build up a case challenging the proposed plans, as LandlordZONE reported two years ago.

'Little correlation'

It argued that evidence to support the licensing process showed very little correlation between HMO density and the issues of noise, anti-social behaviour and rubbish.

However, the association decided not to pursue the legal challenge and is now working with the council to ensure the scheme operates fairly.

Clarification

The landlord association has asked LandlordZONE to clarify that, although it was very keen to take its legal challenge to the next stage, the huge cost to YRLA members of doing this was prohibitive and that there would still be 'no assurance' that City of York Council would not press ahead regardless and implement an Additional Licensing Scheme even if it had lost.

Councillor Denise Craghill (pictured), executive member for housing and safer communities, says the vast majority of private landlords in the city run well-maintained and well-managed HMOs.

She adds: 'This additional licensing scheme gives them all a level playing field, clear standards to meet and management training. It will also help ensure tenants of HMOs, especially those in wards where HMOs are most numerous, are protected by ensuring those high standards are met.'�

Council HMO licensing experts promise to offer application support until the end of March.