Pressure is growing for a crackdown on rogue landlords in Middlesbrough but local estate agent Alistair Oswin (pictured) of Allied Management has claimed a proposed selective licensing scheme is just a ‘cash-cow’ that will ‘drive out local landlords.’

There have been a number of issues in the area, and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Luke Myer has been so incensed that he has raised the issue in Parliament. He has accused ‘irresponsible landlords’ of ‘dumping dodgy tenants’ in villages, and is calling for selective licensing to help ‘restore order.’

Brotton councillor Barry Hunt says: “It’s just a certain few that are causing the bother and we are getting a bit fed up. If a landlord has someone in a property that is continually abusing the situation, they should be held responsible — they are getting the money every week.”

Anti-social behaviour and crime in our neighbourhoods are completely unacceptable.”

And Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Cllr Adam Brook adds: “Anti-social behaviour and crime in our neighbourhoods are completely unacceptable.”

However, not everyone agrees and Guisborough-based letting agent Oswin believes the existing regulations are sufficient, but that the council is failing to enforce them.

Cash cow

He says: “Housing associations must also be held accountable. From my perspective, selective licensing is a cash cow for local authorities. It drives landlords out of the sector, reduces supply, and pushes up rents.”

And locals have told Teeside Live: “This additional licensing makes no difference to the area concerned or the behaviour of tenants. Just look at North Ormesby, for example, landlords in that area have had to pay this additional licensing for several years now, but the area hasn’t changed and MBC have not reinvested. It’s simply another tax the local councils can apply.”

There is no evidence this scheme will control tenants.”

Another said: “There is no evidence this scheme will control tenants. If it’s always the same people, then why haven’t they been arrested? This is just passing the buck & blaming landlords, also if it’s just a few, why punish the good Landlords?

“All this does is drive them out, resulting in fewer available rental properties & higher rents. It’s always the people at the bottom of the chain (tenants) who lose out. Selective Licensing doesn’t work, it’s just yet another tax. Use existing regulations & the LAW to fix the situation.”

The council says it is now assessing the situation and will bring in selective licensing if necessary.