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Tomorrow is a key date in determining the future of compulsory landlord licensing by local authorities as Constantinos Regas - a landlord with just one property - takes a council to court in what is likely to be a pivotal test case.

Enfield council in north London is typical of many in wanting landlords to pay £500 for a five-year licence from the authority. Failure to do so risks a £20,000 fine and a criminal record, with more specific breaches of any licence conditions carrying a £5,000 fine.

If the council succeeds in opposing Regas' legal action, the licensing scheme will be introduced from next April.

But Regas tomorrow appears at the high court to seek agreement for a judicial review of Enfield council's decision to be heard later this year. The challenge is based on whether the local authority can prove a link between anti-social behaviour and the private rented sector - the authority's justification for the licensing scheme.

Regas insists that Enfield Council has failed to demonstrate that housing in the borough is badly managed, or that there is a clear link between anti-social behaviour and the private rented sector. I am appalled that the council can label tenants in this way."

Letting Agent Today has already extensively reported on efforts to fund-raise in support of the judicial review.

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