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Update
Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Cabinet have approved the designation of two areas of Tunstall as selective licensing areas on 28 July 2011. As of the 5 August that designation has now been confirmed. Further information about the scheme will be sent to all those affected, in the meantime please contact the Selective Licensing Co-ordinator if you have any questions on 236107 or by mailing selectivelicensing@stoke.gov.uk
Section 82 of the Housing Act 2004 allows us to designate an area as a 'Selective Licensing' area. If approval is
granted by our Cabinet then selective licensing is a tool that we can use alongside other initiatives to help regenerate areas.
The aim of selective licensing is to help address issues of low housing demand affecting an area, and reduce the antisocial
behaviour of tenants in privately rented properties. If approved, selective licensing will mean that a private landlord
with properties in that area would be required to have a licence in order to operate.
Landlords' rented properties must then be let within the terms of the licence conditions to make sure that the properties
are safe and that they, working alongside the city council and Staffordshire Police, can and will deal with antisocial
tenants.
The licence conditions also cover issues of fire, gas and electrical safety, getting appropriate references before any
tenancy is offered, having tenancy agreements and making sure that any properties are well managed.
What are the benefits of selective licensing for landlords?
- Responsible landlords will receive information and support concerning antisocial behaviour;
- Poorly performing landlords will receive support and training to help them improve;
- Improved rental income as areas improve;
- Improvement in the reputation of private landlords; and
- Shorter void periods and reduced tenant turnover.
What are the benefits of selective licensing for tenants?
- More professional landlords bringing about improvements to their properties;
- Improved security and sense of community; and
- Reduced risk of homelessness and increased length of stay.
What are the benefits of selective licensing for the community?
- Increased housing demand and reduced levels of antisocial behaviour will make places safer and more desirable to live;
- Reduced environmental problems, such as litter and fly-tipping; and
- Protecting vulnerable people who may be living in poorly maintained properties.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Police, local communities, partner agencies and landlords all play a role in
working together to make sure antisocial behaviour is dealt with quickly and effectively. We have dedicated people who
work with the neighbourhood police to deal with antisocial behaviour, providing help, support and guidance to anyone affected.
For further information on selective licensing please contact our Housing Standards team on 01782 236107. Or you can
write to Housing Standards, Selective Licensing, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Civic Offices, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent,
ST4 1HH. You can also email selectivelicensing@stoke.gov.uk.