Two new property licensing schemes, which would help further improve the quality and management of the PRS, are set to be voted on in Bristol.
Bristol City Council’s cabinet is recommended to approve plans to implement licensing requirements for HMOs citywide, and to certain properties in the Bishopston and Ashley Down, Cotham, and Easton wards.
Previous licensing schemes in Bristol have proved to be successful, helping to improve standards of accommodation and tackle bad management practices.
Landlords would be charged a fee for licensing their properties.
A licence would normally last for five years and conditions would be attached to the licence to improve management practices and standards.
This would include anti-discrimination practices, which now also includes discrimination against people because they are in receipt of welfare benefits.
Landlords would also be offered advice and guidance on the necessary improvements required to ensure properties comply with licensing conditions, but where landlords do not meet the required condition standards, enforcement action could follow.
The new schemes would go live in August, with landlords given three months to get their applications in before any potential enforcement action takes place.
Cllr Kye Dudd, cabinet member for housing services and energy, said: “We want to make sure that tenants across the city live in safe and comfortable homes and have more power to act if this is not the case.
“Licensing gives us the power to proactively inspect accommodation to make sure it meets the required property standards and being managed well.
“It allows us to deal with issues that may not have otherwise come to our attention.
“The council will continue to take action to crack down on criminal landlords who do not meet the legal requirements for a safe and secure living environment.
“This includes the use of banning orders where necessary.”
