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Mon 25 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
"Living Property have fully managed my three rental properties in Bungay for several years now. I have always found Kim and Paula to be efficient, professional, proactive and friendly. Dealing with them has become like dealing with friends. The agency’s monthly management fee is very reasonable. I am often abroad, and I particularly value the fact that when tenants move in or out, the staff deal with all the utility companies, meter readings, Council Tax, etc. In the early days, when I managed the properties myself, this was nothing but hassle, worry and aggravation, but not any more. Paula makes regular inspections of the properties and reports back to me. She is not greeted by the tenants with suspicion or misgiving but is welcomed in, sometimes with tea and pastries! I have no hesitation in recommending Living Property both to landlords and tenants. Dr C. Goodden (landlord)"