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<p>The Government’s view is that the current selective licensing arrangements are
working. The Government does not support unnecessary large selective licensing schemes.
Such an approach is likely to be disproportionate and create additional needless costs
for reputable landlords which tend to be passed onto tenants. Local authorities can
introduce targeted schemes to deal with specific local problems below the threshold
of either 20% of their geographical area or 20% of their local private rented sector.
Any scheme larger than the 20% threshold must obtain prior approval from the Secretary
of State. Of the three applications received since these measures were put in place
in April 2015, two have been accepted and one declined. The London Borough of Newham’s
selective licensing scheme runs until 2018; should the authority wish to continue
the scheme it will need demonstrate that the proposed redesignation meets the statutory
criteria as set out in The Selective Licensing of Houses (Additional Conditions) (England)
Order 2015.</p><p>On 18 October, the Government announced plans to extend mandatory
licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to strengthen councils to tackle
problems homes head-on and bring an end to ruthless landlords who exploit tenants
and charge them extortionate rents to live in poor conditions. These measures will
ensure mandatory licensing rules apply to HMOs with five or more people, and to flats
above and below shops. Minimum room sizes will also apply to HMOs to help to clamp
down on rogue landlords cramming tenants into unsafe and overcrowded homes.</p>
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