Nottingham council intends to launch a new licensing scheme and has told landlords not to increase their rents to cover the cost of the fees.

The Labour led council will introduce a second Selective Licensing scheme making it mandatory for private landlords in other parts of the city to apply for a licence and proving that their properties and management meet the authority’s standards.

The authority claims this will ensure that PRS homes are proven to be safer and suitable for tenants to inhabit and are properly managed as the council says: “It will give the council resource and powers to safeguard tenants and hold non-compliant landlords to account.”

The council states that the proposed second scheme will not be allowed to make a profit will be the same as the first scheme introduced in 2018, as all of the received fees will be spent on administration and running costs.

However in a statement the council then says: “Nottingham City Council does not believe landlords will need to increase tenants’ rent to cover the cost of a licence application, which would be payable in two parts. Most landlords in the city, who already have a housing licence, would be aware of licensing, so a new licence should be factored into their business plan and any previous increase in rents that they may have made, should cover a new licence fee. A new scheme would not start until at least August 2023, so this would also give landlords time to plan.”

There is no mention of charges although the term will no doubt be for five years.

Councillor Toby Neal who holds the title of “Portfolio Holder for Housing and Human Resources”, says: “People renting privately have a right to expect a decent standard of accommodation. Many of the 45,000 plus privately rented properties in the city are well-managed but, as part of the first scheme we still find properties that are to a very poor standard. Homes with damp and mould, homes with no smoke alarms or hot water or heating; so there is more work to be done.

“It is proven that poorly managed properties cause problems for local neighbourhoods that see higher crime and anti-social behaviour rates. The council believes the introduction of a new licensing scheme would not only bring benefits for tenants and local communities, but also landlords who, by obtaining a licence, will be able to clearly demonstrate to prospective tenants that they meet required standards.