A 10 week consultation period begins today on selective licensing in the central area of Blackpool – with the council threatening a licence fee per property of up to £775. 

“Under selective licensing every house, flat or room that is used as privately rented accommodation within the designated area would require a licence, unless already covered by additional licensing. We believe that such a scheme will help improve property standards and address the high levels of anti-social behaviour and crime originating from privately rented properties in the area” says a council statement.

As usual with local authorities, to obtain a licence each landlord must demonstrate they are a ‘fit and proper’ person, offering good and fair management of tenant relations alongside having suitable arrangements in place for the property.

The proposed licence conditions include the requirements to have written tenancy management arrangements to prevent or reduce anti-social behaviour by tenants, recommending monthly inspections to ensure the property is not in a state of disrepair.

The £775 fee is reduced by 30 per cent to £542 for those properties meeting a so-called ‘Blackpool standard’ set out by the council; in addition, a £100 early bird fee discount will also apply to applications for each property made during the first three months of the scheme.

“We want to give all tenants, landlords, managing agents, and residents in the area the opportunity to comment by completing the questionnaire” says the council about its consultation, which is open until June 8.

More details here.