Newcastle Council has pledged to place greater accountability on landlords to vet tenants appropriately and manage anti-social behaviour linked to their properties.

The authority has renewed its selective licensing scheme in parts of Byker and Benwell for another five years and says it will help officers analyse locations and details of poorly managed properties so they can take enforcement action against the most problematic landlords.

Before the scheme starts on 30th September, it has promised to review procedures and guidance documents and adds: “Training and support will be put in place prior to commencement to ensure landlords are equipped with the tools and knowledge to enable compliance.”

The scheme – costing landlords £1,000 - has already been in place for 15 years and although it insists that this will improve community safety and property standards, the council’s consultation reveals landlords felt the cost of licences was too high, while tenants were not aware of the work that was carried out dealing with anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods or work to address landlord accountability.

Concern

It explains: “There is a perception more enforcement is needed. The highest concern is regarding anti-social behaviour caused by fly tipping and rubbish.

“Greater regulation, enhanced by increased landlord and tenant support, will reduce ASB, improve the quality of homes, stabilise communities and improve the health and wellbeing of tenants. The scheme will ensure landlords seeking to exploit tenants are tackled and do not gain advantage.”

The Chronicle reports that Labour councillor Paula Maines, cabinet member for housing, told colleagues: “There are good landlords in the area, and they have seen property prices and rent increase, and they are finding that their properties are easier to let over the last 15 years.”

Other parts of the city covered by selective licensing schemes include Cowgate and Lemington.

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