Pay over £1,000 per property licence, council tells landlords
Summary
Preston Council is consulting on a selective licensing scheme covering three wards, with a proposed fee of £1,050 per property if approved. The council says the scheme is targeted at areas with higher levels of poor housing conditions, including damp and mould, excess cold, disrepair and Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
Why it matters
Selective licensing can materially affect landlord costs, compliance obligations and local enforcement activity, which in turn may influence property management standards and transaction risk in the affected areas. Surveyors advising landlords, buyers or investors in Preston may need to factor in licensing status, housing condition issues and potential remediation requirements.
Key points
- Preston Council is consulting on selective licensing in three wards only.
- Proposed fee totals £1,050 per property, split into Part A and Part B payments.
- Council evidence cites poor property conditions, including damp, mould, excess cold and disrepair.
- The council says around 16% of privately rented homes in Preston may contain Category 1 hazards.
- No discounts, direct debit or instalment payments are proposed.
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