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Issue 44 | October 2018
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
Selective Licensing in Beeston Hill - raising standards or a tenant tax?
TIME TO LICENSE LANDLORDS? A
by Jeremy Morton
s we reported last month, Leeds City Council is considering introducing mandatory licensing for private sector landlords in the Beeston Hill area. The Council say the scheme will help improve the management of private rented homes and help ensure tenants benefit from living in safe, comfortable and secure homes. But South Leeds Life has also been contacted by landlords opposed to the plans who say licensing could push up rents and reduce the number of options for tenants. If implemented, the scheme will involve property inspections. It will be paid for by a one off fee of £825 per property, paid by the landlord. Maz Khan, who is campaigning against the scheme, told us: “The proposed scheme consists of an excessive fee per property and the exhaustive conditions outlined would place an onerous burden on owners and agents and drive up rents in what are already poor parts of Leeds, effectively becoming a tenant tax.” He said that landlords are being required to police antisocial behaviour and that he is aware of landlords that will sell
To Let: private rented housing in Beeston Hill their properties if the scheme is introduced, reducing the number of properties available to rent. We asked residents in the affected area what they thought of the proposals. Sarah said: “When I was looking for a house to rent in Beeston, I was shocked by the state of some houses. Many of them were disgusting. Would this scheme change any of that? If so, good.” Hazel told us: “I’m lucky enough to have a fantastic landlord, but I’m very aware that this isn’t the case for all. However, if it results in rent hikes, that’s deplorable.”
June said: “I think it's a really good idea as a couple of the houses in our street are riddled with damp and I don't feel our overseas friends like to complain for fear of losing the tenancy. We have had various neighbours moving in and out because all the agents do is paint over the black. “It will also hold landlords accountable for maintaining their property as we have had expenses created from damp next door. The agent just tells us the landlord is not interested. That’s not good enough in my book.” But Brenda said: “Maybe the council should concentrate on
the state of their own properties as well. Anything that puts extra costs onto landlords will fall back onto the tenants rent. As it stands, tenants can report landlords if houses are in disrepair, or are perfectly in the right to refuse payment until repairs are done.” Whilst Neil commented: “There are absentee landlords in this area who let their properties gradually become substandard, and every tenant in the area is entitled to a secure, safe, clean, and attractive place to make their home. In committing to pay the license, people are going to
send out the message that they’re a responsible, considerate landlord, doing their best for the people who choose to live here. It’ll boost the upkeep of some run down houses too, making Beeston feel like an even nicer place to live for all of us here. Surely that’s a good thing?” Cllr Paul Wray responded: “I’d like to stress no decision has been made as to whether this will go ahead and the consultation team are very eager to get as much feedback as possible, from as wide a group as possible. “Just to be clear on the costs. If after the consultation, the business case is made and the Council’s Executive Board accepts the proposals as currently set out. The 5-year licence for those who currently don’t have an HMO licence, will cost a landlord an extra £165 per year (£13.75 a month). This is hardly excessive and well within most landlord’s ability to absorb without passing on to the tenant. I’d suggest people read the full FAQs and if people do have a question, they can contact the consultation team who are happy to chat.” Find more information about the scheme at www.leeds.gov .uk/selectivelicensing or drop in at Vale Circles on Tunstall Road on Monday 1 October between 3-8pm.
In this issue:
New mosque open in Beeston
page 5
Results day at Cockburn
page 11
Last coals to Leeds
pages 15
Mother Courage in Hunslet
page 19
NEWS SCHOOLS
2-9 10-11
FEEDBACK
12
ARTS
14
LOCAL HISTORY 15 WHAT’S ON SPORT
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