Councillors in Leeds have given the go ahead to a significant expansion of the city’s selective licensing scheme, which for hundreds of estate agencies there will mean extra red tape to deal with on behalf of landlords.

It will also come at considerable cost – the five-year scheme is pricey by national standards at between £950 and £1,225 depending on how a licence is applied for, and whether a landlord has joined the Leeds Rental Standard.

The changes were announced last year but have now been voted through by its executive board following a 12-week public consultation.

Leeds’ expanded scheme will kick off in February next year and will cover some 12,500 landlord properties in a single continuous area that takes in parts of the Armley, Beeston & Holbeck, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill, Gipton & Harehills, Hunslet & Riverside and Farnley & Wortley council wards.

The announcement follows a smaller scheme covering just Beeston and Harehills begun during 2020 and lasting five years, during which some 6,700 properties were inspected and 1,430 identified as in need of improvement, with 400 fines issued.

Ringfencing promise

The council has promised that income received from licensing fees from the new larger scheme will be ringfenced to cover the running costs.

“We are determined, as a council, to ensure that everyone in Leeds can enjoy the stability and sense of security that comes with having a safe, warm and well-managed place to live,” says Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing (main image).

“To do this, we need to focus on all types of housing – including private rentals, which account for a fifth of the city’s homes.

“I’m delighted, therefore, that the business case for a new and expanded selective licensing scheme has been endorsed by the council’s executive board.

“Today’s decision means we can now press ahead with preparations for the introduction of a scheme that we believe will make a huge difference to the standard of privately-rented homes.

“Given the clear link that exists between poor housing and poor health, it’s our hope that this scheme will also have a really positive impact on the general wellbeing of residents in disadvantaged communities.”