Discretionary Licensing Scheme

[randal_bond]

Hi,

if a Discretionary Licensing Scheme was introduced in an area were a landlord has a flat what would this mean for the landlord. Any advise most welcome. Is it spreading fast now? Does anyone pay it? £1000 is a whole lot of money.

[Richlist]

As far as I am aware, in spite of its name, the discretion is only on the part of the local authority not the landlord. The only scheme I know about is in specific areas of Bristol that have/ have had problems.

Sounds like an area best avoided if possible..

[randal_bond]

Thank you. No, this is a good area of St. George. It does border a problem area of Easton,  but so do other good areas. I wonder if they just need to bring in some extra money. Thanks again.

[Richlist]

The information currently available says discretionary licencing for Easton was introduced in April 2013. It is now being expanded into St George and Eastville because......'it has the poorest property and highest levels of private letting'.......

Seems Bristol council are fed up with spending ever sparse council tax income on sorting out housing problems in these areas of Bristol.

If I were a Bristol council tax payer I'd also want my money spent in the most efficient and cost effective way and not spent sorting out poor quality property & the resulting problems that can need council resources. Seems only right that the landlords should pay.......unless you can persuade me otherwise.

Is there not a landlord association, group of objectors, organisation, task force, etc who you can join to apply pressure on your local authority. Tried your local councillor, lettings agents organisation, RLA, MP etc ?

The chance of you finding someone on an internet forum with detailed knowledge or experience is at best, slim.

Good luck