The move follows a similar legal action recently taken by landlords in Leicester over a comparable licensing scheme.
According to the association, the financial and administrative demands of the proposal would impose unfair pressure on landlords, costs which they argue could ultimately be passed on to tenants.
The association’s chairman Paul Cunningham has criticised Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s decision to launch a new selective licensing scheme across large parts of the borough. He says the council is repeating past mistakes by pushing forward despite opposition.
Paul Cunningham, said: “Gt Yarmouth Borough Council have decided to introduce another selective licensing scheme covering a vast swathe of the Borough.
“They are currently conducting a consultation process with tenants and landlords.
“Unfortunately, the last scheme, some six years ago now, had the same process. The vast majority were against the scheme, but the council ignored them and went ahead with it anyway.”
Cunningham also raised concerns about a proposed requirement for landlords to inspect their properties every three months, calling the measure unnecessary and disturbing for tenants.
He said: “How intrusive for the tenants is this?”
The association is also highlighting that rents will almost certainly increase to help pay for the cost of the licensing scheme..
Mr Cunningham said: “I’ve heard this described as a landlord tax, but actually it’s a tenant tax as they will be the ones funding the scheme.
“Had GYBC actually engaged with the association it would not have come to this, but their anti-landlord intentions have meant that they refuse to either recognise the landlord association and its members or enter into any dialogue with them.”
The association has now taken on solicitors to challenge the scheme’s fairness and legality.
In the association’s statement, it says: “We are now formally challenging the implementation of the selective licensing scheme in this area.
“After careful review and consideration, we believe the scheme is both unjust and disproportionate in its current form.”
The association has reinforced its stance on promoting fair, transparent, and legally robust regulations, stressing its dedication to safeguarding the interests of responsible landlords.
The group’s latest legal challenge echoes ongoing action in Leicester, where 40 landlords supported by a Leicester branch of Agents and Solicitors are contesting Leicester City Council’s selective licensing scheme. This includes a £1,290 fee per property. Critics argue the cost far exceeds fees imposed by other local authorities, placing an unfair financial burden on landlords.