-
14/7/25 8:13 pm
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Landlords in Great Yarmouth have managed to convince the local council to cut its proposed selective licensing fee and reduce the number of inspections.
The scheme covering 5,000 homes - about 60% of the borough’s privately rented properties which are prone to poor housing conditions and high levels of deprivation – has been given the green light, but with some concessions.
The council originally suggested that it would cost landlords £784 for a licence. However, the Eastern Landlords Association (ELA) says its “robust and, at times, challenging” negotiations with the authority resulted in some positive changes. The overall cost of the scheme has been reduced by £450,000, bringing the total revenue collected to fund it to £3.45 million, meaning the licence fee was reduced to £694.
The council also agreed to consider incremental (annual) payments for landlords with 10 or more properties in the affected wards, on a case-by-case basis, recognising the financial pressures faced by larger landlords.
The ELA adds: “Under the revised scheme, inspections will now take place twice a year, rather than four times as previously proposed. This change will help minimise disruption for landlords and tenants alike, while still maintaining oversight of property standards.”
The council concedes that rents may increase but suggests this will be minimal at £12–£20 per month. However, ELA chairman Paul Cunningham (pictured) believes it has failed to consider the cost of the Renters’ Rights Act and its implementation which will add further pressure on rents.
He tells LandlordZONE: “We urge the council to postpone licensing and consider the impact of all current conditions, legislative changes and pressure on the PRS, including the Renters’ Right Act, the impact on homelessness and consider making a lawful and appropriate proposal at a later date once the Act has been fully implemented.”
The scheme will cover Nelson Ward, Central and Northgate Ward, Southtown and Cobholm Ward and eight streets in Great Yarmouth’s North Ward and could potentially launch next March.
Tags:
Comments