New Controls On Rented Homes Through Licensing Schemes Are ‘Illegal’

The Court of Appeal has ruled that councils cannot use selective licensing conditions to impose new standards on private rented homes. Paul Brown, a landlord in Accrington, and the RLA argued that rather than relying on licensing schemes which only cover certain properties, electrical and gas safety issues are best addressed by councils using the extensive powers they already have under the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is the risk-based evaluation tool to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks and hazards to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. It applies to all private rented homes, whether they require a licence or not. Read more on 24housing.

http://www.24housing.co.uk/news/new-controls-on-rented-homes-through-licensing-schemes-are-illegal/