Licenced to form-fill

Rachel Reeves: What is a selective property licence and who needs one?

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has admitted to not obtaining a required “selective” rental licence for her south London home when she moved to No 11 Downing Street.

Ms Reeves said it was an “inadvertent mistake” and apologised for the error, saying she has now applied for the licence.

But what the rules, and what are the possible consequences of not having the right licence.

Local authorities in England and Wales have the power to introduce a licensing scheme covering all privately rented properties in a certain area.

It is designed to safeguard tenants against landlords letting out poorly-maintained properties, but it also might be introduced because of concerns about persistent antisocial behaviour problems in rental homes.

If a private landlord wants to rent out a property in that designated area then they have to apply to obtain a licence.