ABSTRACT
The Housing Act 2004 provides for the mandatory licensing of privately rented property including certain houses in multiple occupation, and the discretionary licensing of other houses in multiple occupation. The local authority must also ensure that any exercise of the power is consistent with the authority’s overall housing strategy and must also seek to adopt a coordinated approach in dealing with homelessness, empty properties and antisocial behaviour. An application for a licence must be made to the local authority accompanied by a fee fixed by the authority. In fixing the fee for application, the local authority should consider all costs incurred in carrying out their functions under the licensing scheme. The objectives of a scheme are to recognise and encourage landlords who are prepared to provide good-quality accommodation at an appropriate rent and to improve and promote the public image of the private rented sector and private rented sector housing conditions.
