After a three-month consultation earlier this year and with the positive responses received, Sefton Council is extending its successful Selective and Additional (HMO) Licensing schemes for private rented homes until February 2028.

Hazards removed

Sefton Council introduced Licensing in March 2018 and has used the scheme to improve the management of privately rented properties, including the removal of over 3,000 serious health and safety hazards from licensed properties. These have included fire safety, electrical hazards, damp & mould and excess cold.

Resolved

Cllr Trish Hardy Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Having these Licensing schemes in place has helped the Council to step in and deal with thousands of hazards being faced by private rented tenants across Sefton.

“The vast majority of cases are resolved informally by us working with the landlord, but we do not hesitate to use formal enforcement powers when necessary.

“Sefton Council’s approach is very much at odds with recent reports implying councils across the country are ‘failing’ private renters by failing to use enforcement powers and I am pleased we are continuing the Licensing schemes for a further five years from 2023.”

You can find out more and the Public Notices for the schemes here.