Have your say on selective licensing scheme

Oldham Council is again asking people to give their views on whether a selective licensing scheme for private landlords is needed in selected areas of the borough.

A consultation was initially launched last year but the coronavirus pandemic hit the borough just weeks after it begun. 

A selective licensing scheme aims to improve the management of privately rented properties - ensuring they have a positive impact on an area.

The formal consultation involves residents, tenants, private landlords, businesses and other stakeholders.

The council is urging as many people as possible to have their say. 

Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Oldham, financially and socially, which meant the council has had to prioritise certain areas of work.

“It is nearly a year since we launched the selective licensing consultation so it is only right that we look at it again.

“The vast majority of our private landlords rent out decent properties and look after their tenants.

“Unfortunately, there is still a small number who fail to provide decent housing. That’s why we originally introduced the selective licensing scheme.

“Last time we asked people for their views, four out of five of the people who responded believed selective licensing would help improve the areas covered.

“Thankfully they were right as we’ve been able to help out tenants and drive up standards.

“Any new scheme would mean landlords and tenants have to act responsibly or face possible action from the council.

“Please give us your views as we want to hear from you.”

In 2015, the council introduced its selective licensing scheme for private landlords in eight areas.

The existing scheme required all landlords to be registered with the council and to obtain a five-year licence which cost £490 per property – less than £2 per week.

Interested residents, landlords and business owners can take part in the survey at www.oldham.gov.uk/selectivelicensing2019

The council say the consultation runs until 18 April, after which the results and final recommendations will be reported back to Cabinet for a decision to be made.