First blanket landlord licensing scheme launches in Newham

The first blanket compulsory licensing scheme of all private rented properties in one area in England came into force on January 1 in the London borough of Newham.

However, a notice on the council’s website says the deadline to pay for a licence at a discount has been extended to January 31. It had been December 31.

The price of the discounted licence is £150 per property, to last five years.

The website says: “We have received feedback about our scheme from both landlords and agents with a number of properties in Newham. We understand that some of you would like more time to prepare and gather all of the information you need to make your licence applications.â?¨

“After listening to your comments, we are now prepared to extend the application period with the discount fee until 31 January 2013.”

The scheme, which is supported by Shelter although opposed by landlord bodies, will cover an estimated 35,000 households.

The cost per licence will be £500 after the discount period ends. Those who fail to register for the scheme will be liable to fines of up to £20,000. The Newham scheme is being watched keenly by other local authorities.