Blackpool landlords could find more of their town covered by selective licensing if plans are approved by the council.
It is set to consider a report next week that will launch a consultation for the scheme covering 11,000 privately rented properties in the central area of Blackpool, including the eight key wards of Bloomfield, Brunswick, Claremont, Talbot, Tyldesley, Warbreck, Waterloo and Victoria.
The current scheme only covers approximately 2,000 properties and ends in March 2024.
Blackpool Council says it recognises the intrinsic link between poor quality private rented accommodation and deprivation.
A report highlights that too much of its private rented housing stock is of poor quality, which is particularly acute within these areas, where there is a high ratio of privately rented properties.
Evidence from the DLUHC-funded Decent Homes Pilot shows that at least one in every three private rented properties inspected in this area contains at least one category 1 hazard. Examples include excess damp, cold and mould and dangerous stairs or electrics.
Councillor Mark Smith (pictured), cabinet member for Levelling Up Place, says it’s vital that the council tackles this issue head on and supports private landlords to make the necessary improvements.
“We recognise that many landlords provide accommodation far above and beyond the minimum standards required by law in Blackpool but unfortunately, there are many properties that fall below acceptable standards,” he adds.
“We hope that this will be a positive move for responsible landlords, as ensuring more properties are up to these standards should improve the attractiveness of their property and help them to find better tenants.”
If approved, the consultation would begin on 23rd October for 10 weeks. The council promises that discounted licence fees will be available for those applying early and for landlords meeting additional standards. A new scheme would also be subject to Secretary of State approval.
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