Explore alternatives to the Selective Licencing Scheme of Residential Accommodation in the Telford and Wrekin areas of Hadley and Leegomery, Malinslee and Hollinswood, Brookside and Sutton Hill and Woodside being put under consultation to take effect from November 2017.
Why is this important?
We believe that the process of the initial licencing consultation was perfunctory and did not explore alternative solutions to the issues the council is seeking to address. Licence costs can further prevent a landlord from being able to improve their property and do not provide incentive to invest in the local community.
LANDLORDS
We also believe that the licensing of good landlords and the fee payable is without just cause and this licensing scheme, which is targeting good landlords, is in fact discrimination. Discrimination is against the law under the Equality Act 2010. The Equality act clearly states that it is illegal to discriminate against a person in their work place or when buying or renting property. The council has failed to prove the need for the license to every landlord therefore they are discriminating against those landlords who clearly do not need to be licensed. Many of the proposed items are already covered by law and therefore the licence is not needed.
TENANTS
Furthermore, it is discrimination against the tenants that are happy with their rented property in these areas which could now have their reputations tarnished. Tenants may become subject to further rent increases to cover this cost which is on top of the council having already pushing costs of rental accomodation up through the removal of the council tax grace period which was needed to allow for repairs and maintenance to be carried out between tenancies.
HOMEOWNERS
By forcing selective licencing in these locations the council is sending a message to the market that these areas are less desirable and have more problems. This raises the risk of reducing property prices in these areas which will negatively impact homeowners.
Signed: The committee of the Wrekin Landlord Association.
