The Eastern Landlords Association (ELA) has successfully negotiated a reduction in selective licensing fees and a decrease in inspection frequency with Great Yarmouth Borough Council. Despite these concessions, the ELA warns that the scheme will still lead to increased costs for tenants and may negatively affect the rental market.

Background to the selective licensing scheme

Great Yarmouth Borough Council plans to introduce a selective licensing scheme in April next year, covering approximately 5,000 private rented properties across several wards, including Nelson, Central and Northgate, Southtown and Cobholm, and parts of North Ward. The scheme aims to improve housing standards, address health hazards, and reduce overcrowding in the private rented sector.

Initially, the council proposed a licence fee of £784 per property, with property inspections occurring four times a year. This approach prompted opposition from the Eastern Landlords Association, which argued that the scheme was overly burdensome and would have unintended consequences for landlords and tenants alike.

Concessions achieved for landlords

Following the ELA’s challenge, the council has agreed to reduce the licence fee to £694 and to halve the inspection frequency to twice annually. These concessions represent a partial victory for landlords, easing some of the financial and administrative pressures associated with the scheme.

James Crickmore, general manager and director of the Eastern Landlords Association, commented: “While Great Yarmouth’s concessions are a step in the right direction, selective licensing is still a blunt instrument. It risks increasing costs that end up affecting tenants without reliably raising standards.”

Concerns over the impact on supply and rents

The ELA maintains that selective licensing schemes can reduce the supply of rental properties by increasing costs and regulatory burdens on landlords. These additional expenses are often passed on to tenants in the form of higher rents, potentially exacerbating affordability issues in the local housing market.

Moreover, the organisation argues that selective licensing diverts resources from more targeted enforcement measures that could more effectively improve housing standards. Instead of blanket schemes, the ELA advocates for smarter, focused interventions that protect tenants without imposing unnecessary costs on landlords.

Preparing for the scheme and ongoing landlord support

In anticipation of the scheme’s launch, the ELA has initiated a call to action campaign to inform and support landlords. This campaign aims to provide guidance on compliance requirements and to prepare landlords for the changes ahead.

The scheme’s introduction in Great Yarmouth follows similar selective licensing initiatives elsewhere, such as in Stockton, where landlords have expressed strong dissatisfaction, describing the scheme as ineffective and burdensome.

Implications for landlords and agents

Landlords and letting agents operating in Great Yarmouth should begin reviewing their portfolios to identify properties affected by the selective licensing scheme. It is important to factor in the licence fees and compliance costs when setting rents and managing tenancies.

Understanding the scheme’s requirements early will help landlords avoid penalties and ensure that properties meet the expected standards. Agents should also advise clients accordingly and consider the potential impact on rental demand and tenant affordability.

Looking ahead: TLA’s Trusted Partners Hub

In related news, The Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in the first quarter of 2026. This platform will feature verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses.

Legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers interested in joining the Trusted Partners Hub are invited to register their interest via the TLA website.