Licence fee shake-up for landlord scheme

LANDLORDS who rent out properties within so-called selective licensing areas can now pay the council’s £490 fee in two instalments.

Oldham Council has made the changes after listening to feedback on the new scheme.

The programme, which came into force in May in St Mary’s, is designed to improve the management of properties and flush out rogue landlords and irresponsible tenants.

It has since been extended to include areas of Hathershaw, Waterhead, Hollinwood and Primrose Bank.

From January, 2016, it will become active in selected areas of Coldhurst, Alexandra and Oldham Edge.

When a licence is issued, the landlord must comply with a number of conditions and tests are carried out to make sure they are a fit and proper landlord. It is an offence to operate a privately-rented property without a licence in these areas or not to comply with the terms of the licence.

A landlord will also commit a criminal offence if they fail to comply with any of the conditions of a licence.