Durham Council has warned landlords covered by its new selective licensing scheme to brace themselves for inspections next month.

At least 29,000 properties, 42% of the county'�s PRS, are covered by the scheme which launched in April after winning government approval.

Durham had originally submitted a plan that covered 65% of the county and included 51,000 private rented properties, but scaled it down following a consultation.

Councillor James Rowlandson (pictured), cabinet member for resources, investments, and assets, explains that the scheme is about holding landlords accountable who fail to provide appropriate living standards for their tenants.

He adds: 'This is an opportunity for landlords to ensure their properties meet the required standard ahead of inspection, and to ensure they are complying with their legal obligations.'�

The council is encouraging landlords to apply before the first inspections begin in August and says: 'Landlords are required to carry out any necessary action identified during the inspection, such as repairs, in order to comply with the licence conditions. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action.'�

The licence fee per property is a maximum of �500, with a discount if landlords meet certain criteria, however the reduction period for new applicants ends on 31st July.

In April, LandlordZONE reported that the council had waited three weeks after launching its scheme to share the news on its website '� potentially leaving some landlords in the dark.

Despite announcing it had won approval back in December for a launch on 1^st April, the council'�s website went quiet on the subject until 21^st April.