Official talks on landlord licensing underway

Liverpool City Council has appointed Opinion Research Services to carry out a 12-week consultation as part of its proposals to introduce a licensing scheme for landlords.

ORS will begin canvassing landlords, tenants, residents and other stakeholders on Monday 24 March.

Liverpool's proposals for a citywide licensing scheme would mean that all landlords who privately rent properties in the city would require a licence for each of their rented properties. The council would need to determine that the proposed licence holder is a fit and proper person to manage their properties.

The plans aim to drive up standards of tenancy management, isolate poor landlords and make them easier to identify, secure a consistent level of responsible property management, and promote an understanding among residents about what they can reasonably expect from their landlord.

The licensing proposals form part of the council's 10 Point Pledge for landlords which was launched in 2012, which included advisory groups, incentives and measures against rogue landlords.

Cllr Ann O'Byrne, cabinet member for housing at Liverpool City Council said: "This is a really important issue for our city. We want to ensure that Liverpool has a high standard of private rented properties which tenants can be confident in, and we believe a licensing scheme would play a major role in helping us achieve this.

"This formal consultation period gives all organisations and individuals affected by these proposals the chance to get involved in the discussions and have their say. We will consider all views carefully before we make a final decision."

If a decision is made to introduce a licensing scheme, it is expected to come into force in 2015.