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By Hair & Son Team Posted on 17 November 2021

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We have been advised by Southend Borough Council that a new Selective Licensing Scheme will come into effect from the 1st December 2021. The scheme covers properties in certain areas of Westcliff and Southend, and falls across the Milton, Kursaal and Victoria Wards of the Borough.

We have made every effort to identify the affected properties and write to the landlords concerned. If you have not already received a letter, we would suggest you check the interactive map. CLICK HERE to confirm your property is not affected.

The aim of the scheme is to regulate the condition, management and occupation of properties within the designated blanket area. It is hoped that this will contribute to a positive effect in the local community.

All licences will be subject to having the required documentation (including a current Electrical Installation Condition Report and Gas Safety Certificate) and landlords will be expected to pass a ‘fit and proper person’ check. The council will also carry out an inspection of every licensed property.

The cost of obtaining a license has been set by Southend Borough Council at £688 per property and is valid for a 5 year period from the date of issue. However, we have been advised that applicants who apply for a license before March 2022 will be eligible for a 25% discount. We will endeavour to register all eligible properties by this date if possible.

As the scheme is compulsory, we will be acting on your behalf to apply for the license for your property, unless we hear from you advising that you wish to arrange the license yourself. An administration fee of £199 (inc. VAT) per property will be applied. This will be capped at £799 (inc. VAT) for 4 or more properties. Please note that this fee includes the arrangement of all required documentation and compulsory floor plans for each property.

Selective licenses will be a legal requirement and failure to license may result in a financial penalty of up to £30,000 plus prosecution. Landlords may also be ordered to repay any rent received during the unlicensed period.

If you wish to arrange the Selective License yourself, please advise us of this no later than 30TH NOVEMBER 2021.

We only have limited information currently which is detailed above in full. Further information can be found at https://www.southend.gov.uk/private-housing/selective-licensing-scheme or by emailing selectivelicensing@southend.gov.uk.