Express & Star

Sandwell landlord rules move sparks rent-rise fears

Conditions proposed under a new scheme to make private landlords in Sandwell pay for licenses have come under fire amid fears they would have to rise rents to cover the extra costs.

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Sandwell Council is behind the initiative, which would initially be launched in six pilot areas containing around 2,100 relevant homes.

The idea behind the move is to reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure private landlords are helping to keep neighbourhoods clean.

Council chiefs say it could ensure any rogue landlords look after their tenants and properties. If adopted, the plan would mean landlords would have to get a one-off licence for each property that they own, which would cost £150 or £500 depending on when they apply. They would also be subject to a series of tests to become licensed.

A 10-week consultation is running on the proposal until May 12.

Around 100 people attended a private sector landlords' forum held at West Bromwich Town Hall yesterday to voice their opposition to the scheme.

Among them was Graham Nock, a private landlord with three two-bed homes, from West Bromwich.

He said: "The council has tried to make out that because there have been five ASBOs given to people in a two-year period, that this is linked to private landlords but there is no evidence to prove it.

"Some of the conditions they are proposing are ridiculous. One is that a private landlord must make sure a resident has their bin back on their own property after the council binmen have been to empty it.

"The documents say if you fail to adhere to some of these conditions you can face a £5,000 fine. This is an anti-business approach in my opinion.

"This is just another cost to bear and I have to put it across to tenants if it came in."

The six areas being proposed to become selective licensing areas, for up to five years, fall within parts of Smethwick, Old Hill, Tipton, Wednesbury and two within West Bromwich.

Councillor Ian Jones, the borough's jobs and economy chief, will be tasked with deciding on the scheme once the consultation is finished.

He stressed more than 16,000 leaflets had been sent out to ask for people's views on the proposal and more responses were being requested on the consultation section of the council's website before any decision would be made.

Landlords and landlords' associations, letting and estate agents, residents' associations and others are being consulted with.

Similar schemes have already been introduced in other parts of the country under this legislation, part of the Housing Act 2004.

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