Selective Licensing 'Go Live' Date
Following on from our last newsletter where we shared information about a Selective Licensing scheme approved by Southend Borough Council, we have now received notification that the scheme start date will be 1st December 2021.
The scheme has been agreed to cover families living in private rented homes within the Milton, Kursaal, Victoria and Chalkwell wards of the town. The aim is to regulate conditions, management, and occupation of certain properties.
Pricing and application process:
In the above-mentioned areas, landlords will need a licence for each property they rent out or risk severe unlimited penalties if they fail to obtain one. We have been advised by the Local Authority that the cost of a licence will be £688 per property, for the full five-year period of the licence and discounts are being considered for owners of multiple properties.
Applications for licences will be accepted before the 1st December start date but no further details have been confirmed by the Council at this time. We understand the software implementation plan for online applications should be completed by October. However, staff training will still need to take place after this date before the system can go live. This means there will be a very short window of time to apply for licences before the scheme launches, possibly just 4-6 weeks during late October and November.
Further updates:
As always, we’ll keep you informed of everything you need to know, including how and when to apply for licences ahead of the December start date. Furthermore, we will be able to manage licence applications on your behalf, so watch this space for more details.
Southend Borough Council are communicating with us directly via email and will post updates on all matters relating to Selective Licensing on its Private Housing website pages found here: https://www.southend.gov.uk/private-housing/selective-licensing-scheme/1
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call the office on 01702 455600 and as always, we will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have.
Martin Ransom is Office Manager at Pace, an independent Southend on Sea Letting Agent.
With nearly 25 years experience in the property industry, Martin is well placed in his role as Branch Manager for Pace.
After joining the business in 2010 Martin took it upon himself to foster excellent customer service among the team and this continues to position Pace as a leader in its field today.
