Landlords complain about licensing scheme

CLAIM IT 'HARMS TENANTS AND 'LEADS TO MISERY'

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

LANDLORDS have drawn up a petition and a complaint to the local government ombudsman over a scheme that brought in fees and rules for privately rented homes.

The complaint originates from a report on the first year of the selective licensing scheme in central Stockton, Newtown and north Thornaby.

The Safer Stockton Partnership, which includes councillors, police, fire and council officers, was told in November the scheme now had 1,000 properties "we can go and poke our nose into and carry out those light-touch inspections", with the aim to inspect every property under the scheme in the next five years.

Landlords said they were offended by this comment about the scheme where landlords have to pay for licences for privately rented housing and abide by conditions covering housing, crime and antisocial behaviour. They contend their complaints over the remark were not dealt with properly by the council.

A petition was prepared, drew almost 100 signatures and will be submitted to the council.

A complaint will be sent to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.