License will be needed for all new private landlords in Boscombe

Bournemouth Council is hoping to tackle problems of poor quality homes and anti-social behaviour in the area by putting a new scheme into place, called Selective Licensing.

If approved around 900 landlords of almost 5,000 properties would have to pay hundreds of pounds for a license.

The aim of the scheme is to make sure all landlords are 'fit and proper persons', protect tenants from poor housing conditions, help other landlords improve the worst properties and stand against anti-social behavior.

Landlords who refuse to sign up to the scheme would face penalties of up to 20 000 pounds.

The area suggested is from Springbourne fire station roundabout in the north to Boscombe Spa Road in the south, and from Bournemouth station in the west to Pokesdown station.

Cllr. Bob Lawton, Cabinet member for housing, said he is optimistic the scheme will bring benefits to both tenants and landlords by giving the council more control over what happens in the privately rented accommodations.

In the UK, 18 per cent of the properties are privately rented. In Bournemouth, though, this figure rises to 31 per cent, 47 per cent in Eastcliff and Springbourne and 62 per cent in Boscombe.

The proposed consultation will last until March, when a decision will be made. If approved, all landlords will have to apply by September.

Selective Licensing is used in Bournemouth for the first time, but other authorities such as Oxford, Liverpool, Blackpool, Bristol and several boroughs in London benefit from it.

Cllr. Lawton believes the identified area qualifies due to the great number of flats and houses to be rented, the high crime levels, deprivation and anti-social behavior.