Gainsborough: Poor landlords and bad tenants to be targetted under new scheme

West Lindsey District Council has approved a 10-week consultation on a Selective Licensing Scheme for private sector landlords in the South West ward of Gainsborough.

If implemented, the scheme would require all private landlords in the area to obtain a license.

It would include a set of conditions they must abide by including the presentation of annual gas safety certificates, keeping smoke alarms in good working order and for each landlord to undertake a ‘fit and proper’ persons test.

Any landlord that does not adhere to the license conditions can then be prosecuted by the council.

Chairman of the council’s prosperous communities committee Coun Owen Bierley said: “The council is very keen to support the implementation of a selective licensing scheme to help address the issues caused by anti-social behaviour and low housing demand in the South West ward of Gainsborough.

“The area is a priority neighbourhood for the council and our decision to progress with the consultation underlines our commitment to improve the area for the benefit of our residents.”

“We are looking forward to finding out the views of the community to help us to determine how to progress the scheme”.

There will be a 10 week consultation involving all of the key stakeholders from the area.”

“Details will be made available shortly and all residents, tenants, landlords and businesses in the area will be contacted directly.”

“The consultation documents will also be available online and a series of public forums will also be held. “

The council’s head of localism Jo Riddell added: “The council is keen to exercise the powers available to help improve the area.”

“We are looking forward to hearing from all of these groups during the consultation period.”

Selective licensing will impact on all private sector properties in the area and all the landlords who own them.

If designated, the scheme will run for a maximum period of five years.

For more information on the proposals please visit the council’s website at www.west-lindsey.gov.uk