Strict new rules planned to improve housing standards in these parts of Preston

Private landlords in three areas of Preston could be forced to ensure their properties meet a minimum set of standards - including being warm enough and free from mould.

Preston City Council has proposed introducing a so-called ‘selective licensing’ scheme for privately-rented properties in the City Centre, St Matthew's and Plungington wards.

If ultimately introduced, it would mean landlords had to obtain a licence and comply with conditions relating to the condition and management of the dwellings they let to tenants.

The Labour-run authority - which has launched a public consultation into its plans - says it has gathered evidence showing that renters in the three areas are more likely to experience problems such as damp and mould, excess cold, disrepair and other hazards. The defects are also concentrated in neighbourhoods with high levels of deprivation.

The city council currently takes action over poor quality housing only once it has received a complaint, but says selective licensing would enable it to adopt “a more proactive approach, requiring landlords to demonstrate compliance before problems arise”.

Coun Zafar Coupland, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said of the proposal: "Everyone deserves to live in a safe, warm and well-managed home, and we are committed to ensuring that residents across Preston have access to good-quality private rented accommodation.

“The proposal to introduce selective licensing in [these] wards is based on detailed evidence showing higher levels of poor housing conditions and housing-related issues in these areas than elsewhere in the city. By focusing our efforts where the need is greatest, we can take a targeted approach to improving standards and supporting healthier, stronger communities.”

Draft licence conditions include requirements for inspections of properties at least every six months and the provision of written responses to reports of issues within 21 days. Smoke alarms would also have to be installed on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm provided for each premises, while compliance with strict gas and electrical safety measures would be demanded.

A breach of any one of the conditions could result in a civil penalty of up to £40,000 or an unlimited fine if a landlord were prosecuted.

However, Coun Coupland said she wanted to “reassure responsible landlords” that the scheme is “not designed to penalise those who already provide safe, well-managed homes and work positively with their tenants”.

She added: “In fact, responsible landlords stand to benefit from a level playing field that helps tackle poor practice where it exists. We are keen to hear from tenants as part of this consultation, as their experiences will be invaluable in helping us understand the challenges within the sector and ensuring any future scheme is shaped by the people most directly affected by the quality and management of privately rented homes."

The proposed fee is £1,050 for a licence lasting up to five years, with £470 payable on application and the remainder once the council is minded to grant the licence. Payment by direct debit or in instalments is not being proposed.

In 2019, stock condition modelling by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) estimated that around 16 per cent of privately rented properties in Preston contained Category 1 hazards, the most serious risks to health and safety under the Housing Health and Safety rating system.

To take part in the consultation, visit: .preston.gov.uk/selective-licensing-consultation