Landlords to Face Increased Fees for Property Upgrades in Blackpool

Despite opposition from the majority of landlords, Blackpool Council has approved tougher controls over rental properties in the town center, aiming to enhance property quality. The proposed selective licensing scheme, covering approximately 11,000 properties across eight wards, entails landlords paying additional fees to meet regulatory standards. While 77% of landlords opposed the idea, 61% of tenants supported it, highlighting divergent views on the scheme's necessity.

Recent enforcement activities revealed that a significant portion of privately rented homes in the designated wards exhibited hazards such as cold and damp rooms, underscoring the need for improvements. With the private rented sector constituting 31% of Blackpool's housing stock, the council emphasized the importance of ensuring high accommodation standards for residents. However, many landlords expressed concerns about additional financial burdens amid rising mortgage rates and expenses.

To incentivize compliance, the council proposed discounts for landlords, including reductions for meeting the Blackpool Standard, achieving specific energy performance ratings, and early application submissions. Despite these incentives, some landlords warned of potential repercussions, suggesting that tenants might ultimately bear the cost burden. The scheme, subject to final approval by the secretary of state, reflects ongoing efforts to regulate the rental sector and enhance housing standards in Blackpool.

Source: BBC News