Residents in Netherfield are being invited to have their say on plans to introduce new new powers to make privately rented homes better for people to live in.
Gedling Borough Council is asking people in the town for their thoughts on plans to make it mandatory for landlords to have licences for each of their private rented properties in the Netherfield area.
The licence means that the landlord has to provide minimum standards of accommodation for residents. The council will work with landlords and residents to improve the area but where necessary use the licensing conditions and enforcement powers to bring about improvements.
The power, known as Selective Licencing, can be applied in areas where there is deprivation, high levels of antisocial behaviour, high levels of crime and poor housing conditions. The licencing will gives the Council’s Environmental Health team powers to do more when landlords are not taking steps to deal with issues relating to properties. Each licence will cost around £675 per property for a five year licence, the equivalent of £2.50 per week for each property.
The proposals are being welcomed by Think Big Developments, a local landlord and construction firm who have recently transformed a run-down property in the Netherfield area into a liveable dwelling. They also provide training and employment through the renovation of affordable homes.
Think Big Development owners Louchavan Lemard and Ryan Jeffers said: “We believe that the introduction of the licencing will help prevent exploitation of low income tenants and improve the quality of housing that is available to residents of Netherfield.
“The system will help regulate what’s going on in the private sector and we fully support Gedling Borough Council’s proposals. Our vision is to provide employment, high quality and affordable housing.”
Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Cllr David Ellis said: “This is a very important consultation and could make a really important difference to this community.
“Residents have a right to live in properties that are fit for purpose. Asking landlords to meet our standards acts as way of improving housing conditions and property management and also it can have a longer term effect of reducing anti-social behaviour and crime which can be linked to areas with deprivation and poor living conditions.”
Consultation on the proposals to introduce mandatory licencing in Netherfield is open until 5 January and residents and business owners can have their say by visiting www.gedling.gov.uk/haveyoursay.
There will be two consultation events, the first one will be for residents on Thursday, November 2 at St George’s Centre, Netherfield at 6pm and on Tuesday, November 21, Landlords will be able to have their say at an event at Gedling Borough Council at 6pm.
