Landlord Licensing Enforcement Postcode Lottery Needs Updating
Licensing expert Richard Tacagni has urged the government to introduce a national scheme to unify how local councils handle landlord licensing enforcement across England.
The call follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent mistake in failing to license her Dulwich rental property, which, according to Tacagni, highlights the financial and reputational risks landlords face under the current fragmented system.
Disjointed Enforcement Across Councils
Every local authority develops its own licensing rules, application procedures, and fee structures. This lack of consistency creates confusion and uneven enforcement across regions.
“When we become aware of an unlicensed property, we issue a warning letter advising the landlord that they have 21 days to apply for a licence – enforcement action such as fines are reserved for those who do not apply within that time or where a property is found to be in an unsafe condition.” — Southwark Council
Potential Legal and Financial Outcomes
Tacagni noted that Southwark Council is unlikely to pursue a criminal case following an apology from Reeves’ agent, as it demonstrates an unintended mistake and could form a reasonable excuse defence.
He added that civil penalties can reach up to £30,000, depending on government guidance and each council’s enforcement policy.
Author’s Summary
The fragmented landlord licensing system in England causes inconsistency and risk, prompting experts to call for a streamlined national enforcement approach.