The real estate industry has reacted badly to the government's new “non-discriminatory” selective licensing rules, which give councils free rein to implement the scheme, with many believing the rules will come under severe pressure. They fear it will be used as a means to generate additional revenue by exposed councils.
Similar budget issues mean there are also questions about who will enforce the system. Other players in the rental industry have expressed concerns about duplication with the new landlord database. 
The private rental sector requires less selective licensing. ”
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “The private rental sector does not need more selective licensing than with the added costs and duplication of rules.” said.
“To this end, there are sufficient laws covering high standards for rental properties, but the main problem is the lack of capacity of local authorities to proactively inspect properties and enforce these rules. Granting a license means the council spends all its time managing the scheme, rather than enforcing it against unscrupulous criminal landlords.
“Along with introducing decent housing standards and a private rental sector database, the Tenants Bill of Rights will phase out the licensing system, provide councils with the necessary resources and provide specialist letting agents and landlords with the necessary resources. Provides an opportunity to advocate.
“However, it appears that the UK Government does not recognize the benefits of doing this and is not providing local authorities with the investment they need to enforce the wide range of existing legislation.”
Selective licensing should be a targeted tool used by local authorities to deal with the worst landlords. ”
Ian Fletcher, policy director at the British Property Federation, said: “Selective licensing should be a targeted tool used by local authorities to deal with the worst landlords operating the worst standards. Yes,” he said. Unfortunately, there are too many scatterguns at the moment that capture not only the worst landowners, but also the best.
“With today's policy relaxations, good landowners will be concerned that the government is conducting such schemes even more indiscriminately. We urge you to think more about how to reduce complexity, simplify processes, and provide exemptions where approvals are not required.
A number of new plans are likely to be implemented in the coming years. ”
“Care must be taken to ensure that local systems support the supply of new, high-quality rental housing.”
And Isabel Thomson, chief executive of SafeAgent, said: “Budget pressures on local authorities, combined with the potential for significant revenue increases, mean that a number of new schemes are likely to be introduced in the coming years. There is a gender,” he said.
