Agents and their landlords in parts of Scunthorpe (main picture) will have to grapple with more licensing red tape if plans to adopt licensing to tackle rogue landlords get the go ahead.

North Lincolnshire Council is consulting on a new licensing scheme that will reign in rogue  landlords and agents who are currently getting away with providing unsafe homes for tenants.

LICENSE TO RENT

If approved, all agents and their landlords in the designated areas would have to apply for a license to be able to rent out homes.

Failure to comply with selective licensing schemes risks fines of up to £30,000 or prosecution through the courts also means that tenants can apply to a tribunal to claim their rent back for up to 12 months.

Councillor Richard Hannigan, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Families & Communities, says: “The council tries to work with landlords to ensure they provide decent homes and that their tenants are not causing problems in their communities.

“But in some parts of North Lincolnshire this approach is not working with a few rogue landlords who are not working in the interests of their tenants and the communities they live in.”

INTERVENE

And he adds: “A new licensing scheme in these areas would give the council more powers to intervene and protect tenants from poor accommodation and their neighbours from anti-social behaviour.

“We will consult on this new scheme in the coming weeks and if supported will have a new scheme in place as soon as possible.”

The areas covered by the licensing scheme would include Crosby, Town and Park wards and some streets in the Frodingham ward in Scunthorpe.

The Neg told yesterday how agents and landlords in Nottingham have been told to get ready for the introduction of Selective Licensing.