Residents and landlords are being invited to find out more about proposals to introduce a licensing scheme for Liverpool’s private rented properties.
Consultation is taking place about the proposal which would mean all property owners who rent out their properties would need to apply for a licence, agreeing to comply with a set of conditions.
It is aimed at driving up the quality of the private rented sector in the city which accounts for about 50,000 properties.
As part of the consultation – which ends on 16 June – drop-in sessions for residents are being held at
The Chamber of Commerce, Number One, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9HG on Tuesday 3 June, (9.30am- 12pm)
Kirkdale Neighbourhood Centre , 238a Stanley Road, Kirkdale on Tuesday 3 June, (4pm -7pm )
Wavertree One Stop Shop, Picton Road, Liverpool, L15 4LP on Wednesday 4 June ( 9am-12pm).
Meetings for landlords will take place at St George’s Hall in the Reid Room on Monday 2 June at 1pm-4pm (starting 1.30pm) and 6pm-9pm (starting 6.30pm) and on Wednesday 4 June at 1pm-4pm (starting 1.30pm).
Places at the landlord meetings should be booked in advance. To register please call 01792 824741 or email liverpool.licensing@ors.org.uk
Councillor Ann O’Byrne, cabinet member for housing, said: “It is very important that people understand fully what is being considered. There has been some misinformation issued, for example, about the likely cost of a licence and we want landlords, tenants, businesses and other organisations to have the correct facts so they can feed informed opinions into the consultation process.
“This proposal is about us encouraging good landlords and letting tenants be more aware about the quality of the management of their homes.
“But before we take any final decision we want to have the views of as many people as possible. We have already had a number of meetings about this scheme and the drop-in sessions and landlord meetings are an important part of our consultation so I would urge people to attend.”
As well as the meetings an on-line questionnaire has been launched at www.opinionresearch.co.uk/LiverpoolSelectiveLicensing where people can read about the proposals in full and respond to questions around a range of issues.
People can also call 01792 824 741; e-mail Liverpool.licensing@ors.org.uk; or write to Opinion Research Services, Freepost SS1018, PO Box 530, Swansea,SA1 1ZL– to leave written feedback or request a printed copy of the questionnaire.
The results of the consultation will be considered by the City Council before it makes a decision on whether and how to introduce selective licensing.
- The Chamber of Commerce is holdinga busienss breakfast on this issue on 3 June. More information at: http://http://www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/eventitem.aspx/show/3271
