Great Yarmouth Borough Council have revealed plans for six-monthly checks for thousands of rented homes as its landlord crackdown expands to more wards.

The seaside resort is preparing to introduce routine inspections for 5,000 privately rented homes under a major expansion of its selective licensing scheme.

The council’s proposals cover Nelson, Central and Northgate, Southtown and Cobholm, and Yarmouth North, replacing the current 1,500-property programme.

Council backtracked

However, it has been forced to backtrack on part of its original plans following strong objections during the consultation stage. Landlords argued that inspection visits every three months would invade tenant privacy and increase running costs, prompting the authority to scale back its proposals.

Councillor Paul Wells (pictured), Portfolio Holder for Licensing, says the expanded scheme would give the authority stronger enforcement powers and allow it to act proactively rather than rely on complaints.

He says the programme would “allow [the authority] to more effectively deal with a range of issues” and ensure “good housing” across the town.

Where necessary, we could refuse to issue a licence and hold people accountable.”

Wells adds that inspections are central to the plan. He says: “We would be able to systematically inspect properties to make sure things like gas and electric certification are up to date, rather than simply reacting to complaints as we currently do. Where necessary, we could refuse to issue a licence and hold people accountable.”

In response to landlord feedback, the council also reduced the proposed licence fee by £90 to £694 but denied that increases in licensing fees lead to higher rents.

According to the BBC, councillors will vote on 2 December, and, if approved, the expanded scheme is scheduled to start next year.