Martin & Co Leicester in partnership with JMP Solicitors has launched authorized motion in opposition to Leicester Metropolis Council over what they deem to be “unreasonably extortionate” selective licensing utility charges.
Landlords in Leicester are being charged an astonishing £1,290 per property — a determine that the letting company deems to be completely unjustifiable when in comparison with selective licensing charges in different components of the nation.
Regardless of the excessive charges, rental ranges in Leicester are nowhere close to the very best, making the council’s expenses notably egregious, in keeping with Martin & Co Leicester.
For context, the company has provided the next examples:
Newham, London: Selective licensing charges are set at £750 per property for a five-year licence, with potential reductions decreasing the charge to £650 for accredited landlords with energy-efficient properties.
Liverpool: Charges vary from £680 for a full property licence, with reductions out there for energy-efficient properties and accredited landlords, doubtlessly reducing the charge to £407.
Proof obtained via a Freedom of Data request has revealed that the charges being charged are completely unjustifiable and never reflective of the particular prices of working the scheme. As an alternative, the cash is getting used to prop up the Council’s coffers — in clear breach of the authorized rules governing licensing schemes.
“That is inflicting important monetary hardship for accountable landlords,” mentioned Sam Sensible of Martin & Co Leicester. “In lots of circumstances, landlords merely can’t soak up these prices, that means they’re being pressured to move them onto tenants via larger rents. That is instantly harming tenants, making the rental market in Leicester even much less reasonably priced for peculiar individuals. We’re urging extra landlords to come back ahead and be part of our collective motion in opposition to the Council’s unjust practices.”
A spokesperson for JMP Solicitors added: “We welcome extra landlords who want to be part of this motion. In case you are a landlord affected by Leicester Metropolis Council’s selective licensing charges, we encourage you to contact us for additional details about how one can become involved. We’re performing on a no win, no charge foundation, so there isn’t a monetary danger to landlords in becoming a member of the motion.”
The motion goals to problem the legality of the charges and search restitution for affected landlords. JMP Solicitors and Martin & Co Leicester are decided to carry Leicester Metropolis Council accountable and to make sure that licensing charges are honest, clear, and lawful.
EYE has approached Leicester Metropolis Council for remark.
