Controversial council threatens series of new licensing regimes

New additional and selective licensing schemes are to be considered by the controversial Bristol city council.

The council’s Labour Mayor - Marvin Rees - is a long-time campaigner for the power to exercise rent controls over the private sector and now says he wants to be a MP on behalf of the party, following a public referendum which voted to abolish his Mayor’s position.

However, now his colleagues in the cabinet running Bristol council want implement citywide licensing of HMOs, plus other licensing in three specific wards. 

Councillor Kye Dudd, Labour’s cabinet member for housing services and energy, says: “Our administration believes that having a safe and secure roof over our heads is key to ensuring we all have the best possible opportunity to live a happy and healthy life but, unfortunately, many renters still live in poor-quality homes.

“We want to make sure that tenants across the city live in safe and comfortable homes and have more power to take action if this is not the case.

“Licensing gives us the power to proactively inspect accommodation to make sure it meets the required property standards and being managed well. It allows us to deal with issues that may not have otherwise come to our attention.

“The council will continue to take action to crack down on criminal landlords who do not meet the legal requirements for a safe and secure living environment. This includes the use of banning orders where necessary.”

A statement from the council adds: “Those in private rented accommodation have lived for too long without adequate protections and very limited options to guarantee decent living standards. Previous licensing schemes in Bristol have proved to be successful, helping to improve standards of accommodation and tackle bad management practices.

“Landlords would be charged a fee for licensing their properties. A licence would normally last for five years and conditions would be attached to the licence to improve management practices and standards. This would include anti-discrimination practices, which now also includes discrimination against people because they are in receipt of welfare benefits.

“Landlords would also be offered advice and guidance on the necessary improvements required to ensure properties comply with licensing conditions, but where landlords do not meet the required condition standards, enforcement action could follow.”

If they are rubber-stamped by the whole council, the new schemes would go live in August, with landlords given three months to get their applications in before enforcement action

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