The wards under the policy are areas where private rented homes make up at least 20 per cent of tenancies and there are high levels of deprivation or crime. It will cover 40,000 to 50,000 properties giving it the largest coverage in the UK for this scheme.
The scheme will come into force on 5 June 2023 and last for five years. The licence will cost £700.
The Housing Act 2004 gives local authorities the power to introduce measures to address problems in an area caused by low housing demand or anti-social behaviour.
‘Drive up standards’
Councillor Sharon Thompson, cabinet member for Housing and Homelessness for Birmingham City Council (BCC), said: “The new scheme will help us drive up standards across the private rented sector. It was approved after extensive consultation and 130 new jobs will be created to deliver the scheme. We want to ensure that private properties in our poorest wards are providing fit and proper accommodation and that landlords are adhering to their legal responsibilities.
“While many already do, the introduction of licence conditions that cover a range issues including waste bins, references and tackling anti-social behaviour will ensure the council is in a position to engage and regulate this sector appropriately.”
She added: “The selective licensing scheme will allow BCC to work with all landlords to drive up standards across all private rented sector properties and join up with other services such as the police to tackle issues such as the high levels of crime that have blighted these wards for too long. Improving standards in the longer term will lead to safer and more stable communities, enabling more tenants to fulfil their potential especially children.”
