Home > Information > UK Landlord magazine

Selective Licensing in Sedgefield

from "UK Landlord" magazine, May 2008

Sedgefield Borough has become the latest local council to implement a selective licensing scheme for private sector landlords. Operating in Ferryhill's Dean Bank and Chiltern West wards, the new system is aimed at raising the standard of housing in some of the more deprived areas of the borough.

Private-rented property accounts for over a third of properties in the two wards, which have been plagued by persistent anti-social behaviour problems. The council hopes that the introduction of selective licensing will lead to better managed properties, reduced anti-social behaviour and will foster a renewed sense of community. As part of the scheme, landlords are being offered a tenant referencing service, and help to secure anti-social behaviour orders, as well as a landlords' forum to promote the sharing of best practice and advice.

The majority of private landlords with properties in either of the two wards will need to apply for a licence in respect of each individual property. This will involve satisfying council criteria that landlords are themselves
'fit and proper persons', as well as establishing responsible property management for the property, and compliance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. A list of further criteria are displayed on the Council's website in the Private Housing section.

A licence will last for five years and landlords operating without a licence can be fined up to£20,000. The current scheme is planned to run for five years.

For more information, see Selective Licensing Process on the Sedgefield Borough Council website.