26th
Jul 2022
Durham council has just announced it will be starting a ‘rolling’ programme of inspections of 29,000 PRS homes under its new selective licensing scheme.
Private landlords across most of Durham will have to have licenses to legally let properties in the specific areas.
Durham’s scheme was approved by the government in November 2021 and landlords have been contacted by the council to apply for a licence before the first inspections start in August.
The cost of the licence fee per property is £500 for a five year term and a discount is still available until the end of July.
Councillor James Rowlandson, in charge of the authorities resources, investments, and assets, says: "We're urging landlords to apply for a licence for their properties that fall within a designated area as this is now a legal requirement. There is still time to apply this month and take advantage of the discount available for new applicants, so we are encouraging eligible landlords to not miss out on the offer.
"The scheme is about holding landlords accountable who fail to provide appropriate living standards for their tenants. This is an opportunity for landlords to ensure their properties meet the required standard ahead of inspection, and to ensure they are complying with their legal obligations."
It is estimated that around 29,000 homes which equates to 42 per cent of the private rented properties come under the selective licensing scheme.
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