In a bid to improve the quality of rented housing in the city, Liverpool City Council is set to introduce a licensing scheme for the city’s 50,000 private rented properties.

Following a three month consultation on the proposal, the council have decided to implement the scheme. It will mean that all landlords who privately rent properties in the city would require a licence for each of their rented properties.

Cllr Ann O’Byrne, Liverpool City Council’s Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We all know someone with a horror story to tell about a bad landlord. This scheme is about giving tenants some expectation of their rights, and the city council the power to tackle breaches.

“Liverpool has a growing number of privately rented properties and the sector is vital in meeting the city’s housing needs, so it is important that what is on offer is of high quality.

“Although many landlords operate professionally, we are concerned about a number of landlords who rent properties which fail to meet satisfactory standards of tenancy and property management.

“This has a negative impact on the health and welfare of local communities and on a housing market that is already vulnerable in terms of vacant properties, low house prices and depressed rental values.“

As part of the scheme landlords will have to meet a variety of conditions around fire, electric and gas safety; rectify disrepair issues; tackle pest infestations; keep the exterior in a good state of repair and deal with complaints about anti-social behaviour caused by tenants. 

Although 89% of residents who responded were generally in favour of the proposals with two thirds of the other organisations consulted also indicated their support, there was significant opposition from letting agents, landlords and landlords’ forums for the scheme, with more than 80% against it.

The scheme will be introduced from April 2015, with fees yet to be announced.