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Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council
Are you one of approximately 4,500 landlords with an expired licence? As the Selective Licence scheme progresses, with over 800 draft and 500 final licenses already issued, we urge you to ensure that you haven't overlooked the renewal of your licence. It's crucial to stay compliant with the regulations to avoid any penalties, such as the higher 'less compliant' fee.
If you haven't yet renewed your licence or applied for one, now is the time to act. The council's team is actively pursuing unlicensed properties, and we wouldn't want you to incur additional fees due to non-compliance. To learn more about the renewal process or to submit your application, visit the Selective Licensing page on the Nottingham City Council website, Selective Licensing - Nottingham City Council
IMPORTANT REMINDER: PLEASE CHECK YOUR LICENCE EXPIRY DATE!
Please take a moment to review your last application document, specifically the date on your last selective licence application in the sample section provided below (number 3) which indicates the expiry date of your licence. Please note that each licence runs for 5 years from the date that the application was duly made. If your licence is due to expire soon, make sure to initiate the renewal process promptly.
- The licence holders are: [NAME OF LICENCE HOLDER]
- The persons having responsibility for the management of the property (the persons managing) are: [NAME OF MANAGER]
- Licence expiry date: 3 March 2024 unless previously revoked.
- This licence is subject to the attached schedule of licence conditions. Failure to comply with the conditions imposed is an offence which may result in legal proceedings and/or revocation of the licence.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Let's ensure that our properties remain compliant with regulations to provide safe and secure housing for our tenants.
 Recent cases taken to court by the Safer Housing team due to illegal eviction and harassment highlight the importance of landlords adhering to legal procedures when dealing with tenants. In these incidents, landlords faced legal repercussions for their actions under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. The penalties imposed underscore the severity of such offenses and serve as a warning to landlords regarding their legal responsibilities.
Offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 carry significant penalties, ranging from fines to custodial sentences. In two recent cases, landlords faced legal repercussions for their actions.
Deldar Singh, residing at Woodland Drive, Nottingham, faced charges for illegal eviction on May 26th, 2023. Mr. Singh unlawfully changed the locks on a residential unit located within Flowerdene Edwards Lane, leaving the tenant without access to their home. Despite being advised by the police to allow re-entry and seek legal advice, Mr. Singh persisted in his actions. He was fined £1999.86, inclusive of costs and victim surcharge, by the magistrates after pleading guilty to the offense.
Naomi Copeland, residing at Nowell Crescent, Leeds, was convicted of attempted illegal eviction and harassment on March 16th and 17th-18th, 2023, respectively. Ms. Copeland attempted to evict a tenant without a court order and harassed the occupant by removing personal belongings and causing distress. Magistrates imposed a Band C fine totaling £1207.57, including costs and victim surcharge. The incident unfolded when Ms. Copeland forcibly entered the tenant's room, prompting a police intervention.
 We're excited to share a breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to make compliance as seamless as possible for our valued landlords. Introducing a comprehensive tutorial video that aims to simplify the Selective Licence Application process.
Navigating through the intricacies of the Selective Licence Application Form can be a daunting task. We've listened to your feedback, and we're thrilled to share this tutorial video, designed to address the difficulties highlighted by landlords like yourself. Our commitment to enhancing accessibility and ease for all landlords remains at the forefront of our efforts.
What to Expect from the Video:
The video provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the Selective Licence Application Form, ensuring clarity. We've specifically addressed common challenges highlighted by landlords, offering solutions and tips to overcome potential hurdles.
The tutorial is crafted to be accessible to all, acknowledging the diverse range of landlords in our community.
We understand the importance of a straightforward licensing process for both landlords and tenants. Our commitment is to be your partner in compliance, and this video is a testament to that dedication.
Watch Now: To access the tutorial video and make your Selective Licence Application experience smoother, simply click here:
Video without Subtitles: https://youtu.be/az8dxjHgVDA
Video with Subtitles: https://youtu.be/CIN1c673dwI
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we make our community a better place for everyone!
If you require any further information, please visit our website or email selective.licensing@nottinghamcity.gov.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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We bring to your attention a crucial update regarding Right to Rent checks that demand your immediate consideration.
Back in January, 2024, Right to Rent fines saw a significant increase, doubling from their current amount. Landlords must take proactive measures to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
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The revised penalty for failing to carry out the necessary Right to Rent checks will be a substantial £20,000. This substantial increase underscores the importance of staying vigilant and up-to-date with regulatory changes.
Why Right to Rent Checks Matter
Conducting Right to Rent checks is a legal requirement for landlords in the UK. Failure to comply can lead to severe consequences.
Ensuring that your tenants have the legal right to reside in the UK helps mitigate potential risks associated with unlawful tenancies.
What Landlords Should Do:
- Review Your Processes: Take this opportunity to review your current Right to Rent check processes and ensure they align with the latest regulations.
- Document Verification: Keep thorough records of the checks you conduct, including any communications with tenants and copies of relevant documents.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on Right to Rent regulations to remain informed about any changes that may impact your responsibilities as a landlord
For more detailed information and resources, we recommend visiting the NRLA website, where you can access comprehensive guidance on Right to Rent checks and other important aspects of landlord responsibilities.
Right to Rent fines to hit £20,000 from next week | NRLA
We understand that the ever-changing landscape of regulations can be challenging, but your commitment to compliance is vital.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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In light of the current energy cost challenges, it's crucial to address the impact on our student tenants residing in HMOs. Many of them might be facing difficulties in properly heating their homes due to financial constraints, potentially leading to issues like damp and mould.
However, there's a beacon of hope! Both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University offer essential support through their student hardship funds.
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Both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University offer essential support through their student hardship funds.
Nottingham Trent University's student hardship fund provides extra financial assistance to those in need. You can find more details here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/studenthub/money-fees-and-funding/extra-money-for-those-who-need-it#ud
Similarly, the University of Nottingham offers support funds tailored to students' needs. Access more information here: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices/support/financialsupport/support-funds/index.aspx
By informing our student tenants about these resources, we can play a vital role in ensuring they maintain warmth and comfort in their homes during the colder months, alleviating the stress of high energy bills.
Let's unite in supporting our student community through these challenging times.
 In the ever-evolving landscape of energy efficiency, we are excited to share insights about the positive impact smart meters can have on both landlords and tenants.
Understanding Energy Usage: Smart meters offer a valuable tool for tenants to comprehend and manage their energy consumption effectively. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 90% of private renters with a smart meter express a willingness to have one again if they were to relocate.
Landlord Perspectives: Encouragingly, seven in ten private landlords are open to the idea of having a smart meter installed, and a quarter have already embraced this energy-efficient technology.
Tenant Decision-Making: It's important to note that the decision to install a smart meter ultimately rests with the billpayer. If your tenant covers the energy bills and the account is in their name, they have the autonomy to opt for a smart meter. Communication is key, so we recommend that tenants inform you before making this change.
Understanding Energy Usage: Smart meters offer a valuable tool for tenants to comprehend and manage their energy consumption effectively. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 90% of private renters with a smart meter express a willingness to have one again if they were to relocate.
Landlord Perspectives: Encouragingly, seven in ten private landlords are open to the idea of having a smart meter installed, and a quarter have already embraced this energy-efficient technology.
Tenant Decision-Making: It's important to note that the decision to install a smart meter ultimately rests with the billpayer. If your tenant covers the energy bills and the account is in their name, they have the autonomy to opt for a smart meter. Communication is key, so we recommend that tenants inform you before making this change.
Permission Guidelines: According to Ofgem, if your tenancy agreement stipulates that your tenant requires your permission, it is advised not to unreasonably withhold consent for this energy-efficient upgrade.
Overcoming Resistance: In cases where tenants may be hesitant, landlords have the option to manage energy bill payments themselves and incorporate it into the monthly rental charges. However, this involves exploring changes to the rental contract in detail.
Open Communication: We strongly advocate open dialogue with your tenants regarding any proposed changes to the property. Your understanding and cooperation can foster a positive environment and contribute to the overall well-being of your rental property.
For more detailed information and resources on smart meters for landlords, we recommend exploring Smart Energy GB's dedicated page.
We look forward to keeping you informed about advancements that can enhance the living experience for both landlords and tenants.
To get all the latest information, tips, advice and updates from the Safer Housing team, follow us on social media.
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