Non-public landlords in Birmingham are being warned to urgently apply for the suitable property licence or threat fines of as much as £30,000 per unlicensed property.
Birmingham Metropolis Council is ramping up inspections of properties it suspects could also be working with out the required licence. Enforcement efforts have already resulted in £450,000 in fines issued to non-compliant landlords.
Since June 2023, landlords in Birmingham have been required to amass a license beneath the native authority’s property licensing programmes.
Landlords who don’t maintain a licence might be fined and can also should pay again lease to tenants by means of Hire Reimbursement Orders. These orders let tenants in unlicensed properties get again as much as 12 months of lease from their landlords. This can go as much as 24 months when the Renter Reform Invoice turns into legislation.
Tenants are additionally protected against so-called no-fault evictions, as landlords with out the right licence can’t serve legitimate Part 21 notices.
Birmingham Metropolis Council additionally encourages tenants to verify the licensing standing of their rented property utilizing the council’s public register.
The council’s licensing programme consists of Selective Licensing in 25 areas, Extra Licensing for smaller shared homes with three to 4 individuals or completely different households, and Part 257 HMO licensing throughout the town. These new guidelines construct on the HMO licensing that has been required since 2006. Landlords can go to the council web site to use for the related property license.
Greater than 12,000 inspections have been carried out, and 40,000 landlords have been licensed beneath the scheme.
Cllr Nicky Brennan, cupboard member for Housing and Homelessness, mentioned: “The principles have been made clear, and it’s the accountability of landlords to take speedy motion to keep away from dealing with penalties.
“I’m happy to say that the brand new licensing schemes have raised the bar for personal rental housing in Birmingham, and in some circumstances have even confirmed to be life-saving.
“At present, round one in 4 of our compliance inspections have required landlords to take motion to enhance circumstances for his or her tenants.
“This interprets to real-life points comparable to dozens of properties needing pressing repairs to repair leaky roofs, mouldy bedrooms, and the absence of important security options like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. These enhancements are essential for making certain tenant security and luxury.
“By imposing stricter laws, the council is making a safer and safer rental marketplace for all residents.”
