Landlords and Agents Letting Agents need to face tougher, longer real estate licensing schemes, the chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) revealed.
President Mark Elliott (main image) says he is seeking two amendments to the tenant rights bill. The First Amendment allows local authorities operating an elective licensing scheme to use licensing terms to improve housing conditions. 
License disconnection
Elliott emphasizes “unique cutting” in current law. This allows local governments to implement selective licensing schemes to address poor housing conditions, but the terms of the license itself require that the physical condition of the approved property be improved.
The Second Amendment increases the maximum duration of discretionary licensing schemes, including selective and additional licensing schemes for multiple occupations with less than five occupants between five and ten years.
Cieh argues that this will allow local governments to promote long-term posts and include training new staff in these schemes.
The amendment is supported by the Renter Reform Coalition, which consists of 21 organizations and includes major housing and homeless charities.
Our amendments will make it easier for local governments to use licensing schemes to improve housing standards. ”
Elliott said: “The license provides a means by which local governments can personally inspect rental housing without the need for tenants to complain, using enforceable conditions and to identify and resolve issues.
“Our amendments will make it easier for local governments to use licensing schemes to improve housing standards. We are pleased to have received support from politicians from various political backgrounds. I think so.
“These are wise and constructive modifications and urge the government to accept them.”
Learn more about selective licensing.
