New selective licensing scheme begins in Burton upon Trent

New selective licensing scheme begins in Burton upon Trent

From New Year’s Day, landlords in 16 streets of Burton upon Trent must obtain a selective licence under a new scheme lasting until the end of 2031. The scheme targets about 1,100 privately rented homes.

East Staffordshire council has approved a selective licensing scheme that will require landlords of privately rented properties in 16 designated streets of Burton upon Trent to obtain a licence starting 1 January 2027. The scheme will run through to 31 December 2031.

This licensing regime follows a public consultation and aims to improve housing conditions and management standards in areas identified as having a high concentration of privately rented homes that are poorly managed or maintained. The council intends the scheme to give tenants greater assurance about the safety and management of their homes while ensuring responsible landlords operate fairly and consistently.

Details of the new licensing requirements

The selective licensing designation covers approximately 1,100 privately rented homes within the specified streets. Landlords and managing agents with properties in the designated area must check if their properties fall within the scheme and prepare to meet the licence conditions.

Licence holders will need to demonstrate appropriate management arrangements and comply with mandatory conditions set by the council. While the council has not published the full list of conditions in the announcement, such schemes typically require landlords to maintain properties to certain standards, ensure safety checks are up to date, and manage tenancies responsibly.

Failure to obtain a licence where required or to comply with licence conditions can result in enforcement action, including fines and penalties. Landlords should therefore review their portfolios carefully and ensure compliance ahead of the scheme’s commencement.

Context and implications for landlords

Selective licensing is a tool local authorities use to tackle issues in the private rented sector where there are concerns about property conditions, antisocial behaviour, or poor management. The designation of specific streets in Burton upon Trent reflects the council’s assessment that these areas have a concentration of poorly managed rental properties.

For landlords, this means additional regulatory oversight and potentially increased costs associated with licensing fees and meeting licence conditions. It also signals a continuing trend of local authorities using selective licensing to improve standards in the private rented sector, which landlords should monitor closely.

Letting agents operating in the affected area will need to ensure their clients are aware of the scheme and assist in meeting the new requirements. The scheme’s duration until the end of 2031 indicates a long-term commitment by the council to raise standards in these streets.

Practical considerations for landlords and agents

Landlords should begin by identifying whether their properties fall within the designated streets. Early engagement with the council’s licensing team can clarify the application process, fees, and licence conditions.

Preparing for the scheme involves reviewing property management practices, ensuring all safety certificates (such as gas safety and electrical inspections) are current, and addressing any property condition issues. Documenting compliance and maintaining clear records will be important, especially if the council conducts inspections or audits.

Letting agents should incorporate the licensing requirements into their tenancy management procedures and inform prospective landlords and tenants about the scheme. They may also need to adjust their service agreements and fees to cover the additional administrative tasks involved.

Uncertainties and what to watch next

At this stage, some details remain unclear, such as the exact licence fees, the full set of mandatory conditions, and the council’s enforcement approach. Landlords should watch for official guidance and updates from East Staffordshire council as the scheme launch date approaches.

It is also worth monitoring whether similar schemes are introduced in other areas, as selective licensing has been expanding across England in recent years. The cumulative regulatory burden on landlords may increase, reinforcing the need for thorough compliance management.

Steps landlords should take now

• Check if your rental properties are within the 16 designated streets in Burton upon Trent.
• Contact East Staffordshire council’s licensing department to understand application procedures and deadlines.
• Review and update all property safety and management documentation to meet expected licence conditions.
• Prepare to submit licence applications promptly from 1 January 2027 to avoid enforcement action.
• Inform tenants about the licensing scheme and any changes it may bring to property management.
• Letting agents should update their compliance checklists and client communications accordingly.

Supporting landlords with compliance management

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and practical guidance to help manage new licensing obligations effectively. TLA’s developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to assist landlords and letting agents in organising property records, managing rental documents, and keeping track of compliance activities such as licensing applications and safety checks.

Membership provides access to up-to-date information on regulatory changes, including selective licensing schemes, enabling landlords to prepare and respond proactively. ORBIT’s tools for recording key actions and retaining documentation can be particularly valuable in meeting the administrative demands of new licensing regimes.

Explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to support your preparations for the Burton upon Trent selective licensing scheme and other compliance requirements.

Looking ahead, landlords should expect local authorities to continue using selective licensing as a means to improve standards in the private rented sector. Staying informed and organised will be essential to managing these evolving regulatory demands.

Sources: Landlord Today