Guidance on Property Licensing Standards

During a recent selective licensing ‘Q & A’ session with Southend Borough Council, the subject of licensed property inspections was raised.  The Council is currently establishing the inspections process and at the current time, no inspections have taken place.  However, we are led to believe this will change shortly.

The Council has issued a document entitled ‘Guidance on Property Licensing Standards’ which is a must-read for landlords and managing agents.  As you might expect, there is a lot of detail but in short, the booklet provides guidance on the minimum requirements for privately rented, licensable, self-contained homes, occupied by one household.  It is not intended to be a fully comprehensive list of requirements, however, it does make clear that standards are all in line with the usual legal requirements of rental property.

The guidance states that as a minimum, properties should always:

  • Meet the Decent Homes Standard;
  • Be free from Category 1 and significant Category 2 hazards with regard to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) introduced by the Housing Act 2004;
  • Be expected to be free from such Category 1 and significant Category 2 hazards for a period of at least 5 years from inspection;
  • Comply with all other legislation relating to the health and safety of residential occupants;
  • Be in such a condition so as not to cause nuisance to any neighbouring properties.

Please read the PDF below and as always, do contact the Pace team should you have any questions.

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Guidance on Property Licensing Standards

Crystal 600

Crystal joined Pace in 2007 and was appointed to her current role of Managing Director in 2010, heading up the company founded by her father in 1994.

She is responsible for the daily operations of the business, whilst also ensuring the company is financially sound, has strategic direction and is planning for future growth.

Crystal takes a thoughtful and considered approach to all that she does, transferring her determination to deliver implicit care, attention and professionalism to every member of her team.

Pace employ 20 full time staff. Meet the key team members here.