Private landlords in parts of Luton must now apply for licences for their rental properties after the council successfully defended a legal challenge against new housing regulations.
Luton Council has confirmed that its selective licensing and additional licensing schemes officially came into force today (1 June), following a court decision that cleared the way for the measures to proceed.
The schemes are aimed at improving housing standards, tackling poor property management and supporting safer neighbourhoods across the town.
Under the new arrangements, selective licensing will apply to privately rented homes in the town centre and Park Town areas, while additional licensing for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) will cover the whole of Luton.
Landlords with eligible properties will be required to obtain a licence for each property and meet a range of management and housing standards set by the council.
The authority says the schemes will help it tackle issues linked to poorly managed accommodation, including anti-social behaviour and environmental problems.
Councillor Alia Khan, Luton Council’s new portfolio holder for housing, said the court ruling meant the authority could now press ahead with plans to raise housing standards.
She said: “Successfully defending the legal challenge means we can now move forward and continue making meaningful improvements for residents across Luton.
“I believe that every resident deserves a safe, secure and comfortable home. That is not negotiable.
“These measures are an important part of our wider work to improve housing conditions and tackle issues that impact local neighbourhoods.
“Most landlords are responsible. But for the ones that aren’t this gives us the power to act.”
Khan said the council recognised the role played by responsible landlords and had introduced an incentive to encourage early applications.
She added: “We do recognise the valuable role responsible landlords play and so have introduced an early bird period to support applications.”
Landlords who apply before 31 August will qualify for the council’s early bird payment period. The council says the licensing schemes will work alongside its existing enforcement powers and will help identify and address substandard housing conditions.
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