17 Jun 24
Sandwell Council says it will use additional licensing to tackle the ‘poor management of properties’ and the scheme will cover all HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) with three or more occupants.
This new borough-wide scheme aims to improve housing standards and tackle anti-social behaviour – though the council is warned ‘there is a risk that landlords who disagree with the implementation of the scheme may take legal action to prevent its introduction’.
Previously, only HMOs with five or more occupants required a licence.
The new scheme will start in October and affect around 3,000 properties needing to be licensed.
Landlords must pay £1,001 for each license – spread over two instalments of £642 and £359.
PRS plays an important part
In a report to the council’s cabinet, it says that the private rented sector (PRS) ‘plays an important part in providing accommodation’.
The PRS in Sandwell has grown from 5% in 2001 to 18.6% in 2021.
The report states: “The borough has faced a major increase in private rented accommodation in some areas and it is recognised that there are landlords and agents who do not provide adequate accommodation or management of their properties.
“This poor management of properties has a significant impact on people’s lives and on council and partner resources in tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, fly tipping of domestic waste, concerns about property condition and harassment and illegal eviction.”
Additional licensing in parts of West Bromwich
The council has tried to address many of these issues and that includes introducing additional licensing in parts of West Bromwich – but ongoing pressures mean more licensing ‘is considered necessary’.
The license scheme will run for five years, and the council is about to undertake a promotion campaign to raise awareness of the scheme.
The council’s report also reveals that 53% of landlords and agents disagreed with the license proposal, and 47% agreed.
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