Landlords in Burton upon Trent: You may need to obtain a licence from the Local Authority

Liam O’Shea, Director & Solicitor in Astle Paterson Solicitors’ Litigation & Dispute Resolution department discusses forthcoming requirements for letting a residential property in certain areas of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.

Liam said “East Staffordshire Borough Council have now approved plans to introduce a Selective Licencing Scheme in the Anglesey area of Burton upon Trent.

Under a Selective Licencing Scheme, a landlord needs a Licence from the Council in order to let his or her residential property in the area subject to the scheme.

It appears that the scheme planned for Burton upon Trent will come into force on 12th September 2017 and will affect properties let on the following streets

• All Saints Croft
• Bailey Street
• Blackpool Street
• Branston Road
• Broadway Street
• King Street (including Royal Court)
• Queen Street
• Rose Cottage Close
• Rose Cottage Gardens
• Trent Street
• Watson Street
• Wood Street

Landlords will be required to apply for licenses for each property they own in the area, and must agree to terms as set out by the Local Authority.  Failure to obtain a licence where one is required can result in an unlimited fine for the landlord and can also affect the landlord’s ability to obtain possession of the property from their tenant in the future.”

Liam recommended that “Any residential landlords who own buy-to-let properties in the subject area in Burton upon Trent should familiarise themselves with the Council’s requirements, and ensure that they apply for a Licence as required.”

For full details of the requirements, please visit East Staffs Borough Council’s website.