Licensing schemes for private rented properties to launch

Following the court decision, the council will now move forward with the schemes going live from today (1 June). These are intended to help improve housing conditions and support safe, well-managed neighbourhoods across the town. Selective Licensing will apply to the Town Centre and Park Town areas of Luton and Additional licensing for HMOs to the whole town.

Private landlords with residential accommodation will need to apply for a licence for each eligible property. To obtain a licence, landlords will need to meet specified standards and comply with licence conditions designed to ensure properties are appropriately managed. An early bird payment period up to until 31 August will help support landlords applying for licences.

Councillor Alia Khan, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said " Successfully defending the legal challenge means we can now move forward and continue making meaningful improvements for residents across Luton. I believe that every resident deserves a safe, secure and comfortable home. That is not negotiable. These measures are an important part of our wider work to improve housing conditions and tackle issues that impact local neighbourhoods. Most landlords are responsible. But for the ones that aren't this gives us the power to act.

"We do recognise the valuable role responsible landlords play and so have introduced an early bird period to support applications”.

The schemes will complement the council’s existing enforcement powers and help address issues associated with poor property management, including anti-social behaviour and environmental concerns.

Further information about the schemes, including who requires a licence, cost and scheme requirements, is available on the selective and additional licensing schemes page.

Landlords can apply for a licence through the council’s online system.