Common Sense! Council drops licensing, fearing landlord exodus 

In a rare move, Blackburn with Darwen Council has dropped its plans for selective licensing after consultations revealed concerns that it would force landlords to leave the rental market. The proposed scheme aimed to cover over 1,100 properties in the Hollins Bank area, but faced opposition from landlords, tenants, and letting agents.

Key points include:

• Opposition: Most landlords and tenants were against the scheme due to low demand properties and high tenant turnover in the area.
• License Fees: Landlords questioned the proposed licence fees and their use for support and resources, fearing the costs would be passed on to tenants through higher rents.
• Potential Impact: There was concern that excessive costs and regulations could lead landlords to sell their properties, resulting in fewer rental homes and increased risk of homelessness for some tenants.
• Alternative Approach: The council will instead offer advice and support to landlords and target legal action at rogue landlords.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood acknowledged the potential negative impacts of the licensing scheme and emphasized the importance of balancing regulations with support for landlords.