The National Landlords Association has blasted Newham council’s decision to license all landlords in the London borough.
The NLA warned that the council’s blanket approach would “only increase the burdens on those who already comply with the law, without having any bearing on those who blatantly ignore it”.
The NLA said it would consult with other stakeholders to assess the potential impact and how to respond.
The scheme is due to come into force on January 1 2013.
David Salusbury, chairman of the National Landlords Association, said: “Selective licensing of landlords is designed to address distinct problems relating to housing management by targeting specific areas. Newham’s blanket approach goes beyond the intention of the legislation and has not gained the support of local landlords.”
“Newham council has provided no solid evidence to support their argument that such drastic proposals will have the impact it expects. This decision has wider implications for the supply side of the private-rented-sector.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
