Burnley has given the green light to a bigger selective licensing scheme covering 3,700 private rented properties in Trinity, Queensgate, Gannow, Daneshouse and Stoneyholme and a new area in Padiham.

Following a public consultation, councillors agreed that the five-area scheme would start in April, and does not need government approval following the change in rules last December.

Compelling

Burnley Council believes licensing will help to address the problems associated with low demand by compelling landlords who don’t operate to minimum required standards to improve the management practices and the condition of their properties.  

Councillor Jack Launer, executive member for housing, health & culture, says private renters deserve to live in safe and decent accommodation. “While many private rental properties in the borough are well-managed, there are still instances where homes lack gas or electrical certificates, have no heating, are plagued with damp and mould, or are missing smoke detectors,” he adds. “Selective licensing plays a crucial role in tackling these problems.”

Prosecuted

The council has operated selective licensing since October 2008 and says that between 2013 and 2021, 25 landlords representing 41 properties were prosecuted for failing to apply for a licence, while it served 20 financial civil penalties totalling £161,500. It reports that during the previous but smaller scheme, housing disrepair complaints and the number of empty houses fell, while there was also a drop in ASB and environmental crime and a rise in average house prices.

Fees will go up under the new scheme: from £715 for a new application and £640 for each additional property to £750 per new application and £670 for each additional property, with a 30% discount for anyone in the council’s good landlord and agent scheme.

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