Update - Liverpool Landlord Licensing 2022

We have finally received confirmation of the forthcoming Selective Licencing Scheme within the Liverpool City Region which is due to commence on the 1st April 2022.

Details of this announcement can be found at: https://liverpool.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/landlord-licensing/

The council have stated the scheme is designed to:

• tackle poor housing conditions by improving property management standards
• ensure licence holders are ‘fit and proper’
• ensure licence holders remove serious hazards that affect the health and wellbeing of tenants

Below is a complete list of the wards in which the scheme will apply to, these are as follows:

• tackle poor housing conditions by improving property management standards
• ensure licence holders are ‘fit and proper’
• ensure licence holders remove serious hazards that affect the health and wellbeing of tenants

Below is a complete list of the wards in which the scheme will apply to, these are as follows:

• Anfield
• Central
• County
• Everton
• Fazakerley
• Greenbank
• Kensington & Fairfield
• Kirkdale
• Old Swan
• Picton
• Princes Park
• Riverside
• St. Michaels
• Tuebrook & Stoneycroft
• Warbreck
• Wavertree

You can check whether your property falls within the Selective Licencing area using the councils postcode look up service by clicking this link: https://liverpool.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/landlord-licensing/selective-licensing-scheme/do-i-need-a-selective-licence/?rp=true

We have highlighted some of the most important conditions and duties required of the landlord or managing agent below.

Certification & Safety

Below is a list of the certifications and fixed safety items which will be required for the application:

• Smoke alarms installed in the correct and required positions.
• C02 alarms installed in the correct and required positions (If required).
• Gas Safety Certificate (If required).
• EICR (Electrical Inspection Condition Report).
• Any furnishings checked for fire safety compliance.
• Any provided electrical items are maintained and fit for purpose.

Monitoring & Reporting

There are also requirements for the monitoring, reporting and recording of issues arising with tenants and/or the physical property, which are listed below:

• Issues arising from any forms of Anti-social behaviour.
• Documented property inspections.
• Issues arising from pests or disrepair.
• Refuse/waste disposal.
• Internal/external property condition.

It is quite evident that a more robust and involved process is required from landlords which can pose a problem for distance or self-managing landlords who do not employ the services of a managing agent.

At Lewis and Foy Lettings, we consider one of the most important part of the lettings process, is undertaking regular property inspections, to a minimum of at least once every 6 months (regardless of tenancy length). These inspections will require defined and specific information which in turn relates to other safety requirements set out within the license.

Fees

Another very hot topic within the licencing scheme is of course, the costs. There is a large variance in fees depending upon the applicant and the property. Discounts are applied subject to when you apply, the EPC of the property and whether your agents are members of an approved body. For instance, if Lewis and Foy apply for a licence on your behalf, as members of ARLA Propertymark a discount will be applicable.

The official scale of fees is listed below:

Part 1: fee is due upon submission of application
Part 2: fee is due upon granting of your licence

*Discounts may not be offered to licence holders whom the council have previous taken enforcement against. The council has the final decision regarding discounted fees. If the Council finds that false and or misleading information has been provided in order to obtain the discount the council will reclaim the outstanding fees and further action may be taken.
** Discounts will not be offered to licence holders following the end of the early bird period unless the property is a new rental and can be evidenced.
***Licence fees will be reviewed each year.

Although it has not been made clear within any publications, we have been informed that the license is valid for a period of 5 years.

William Lewis , a director of Lewis & Foy Lettings has tested the application process on one of his own rental properties. William commented, “the question landlords need to ask themselves is whether they can follow the numerous regulatory requirements that have been thrust upon them. As agents we sometimes do not realise the amount of information we collect and carry on behalf of landlords, but in undertaking the application process it is clear how important good record keeping is”.

The licencing scheme is seen by many landlords as a further drain on time and profit. Lewis and Foy would be delighted to assist you with the application process and discuss the ongoing management of your rental properties.