More than a quarter of private landlords in Liverpool have signed up to the controversial licensing scheme, as the 1 April deadline draws near.

A total of 1,341 of the city’s estimated 5,000 landlords, who own 5,870 properties between them, have signed up for the compulsory scheme. The scheme is set to become a legal requirement as the city aims to target rogue landlords.

The scheme requires all landlords to pay between £200 to £400 per property, depending on how many properties they own and their accreditation with recognised industry bodies. It attracted criticism from some landlords during a Your Move debate between landlords and council representatives.

Liverpool City Council’s Assistant Mayor and Cabinet member for housing, Councillor Ann O’Byrne, said: “We have been really careful to make the application process as simple as possible and are extremely pleased with the take up so far.

“This scheme is about giving tenants some expectation of their rights, and the city council the power to tackle breaches.”

The landlord licensing scheme ensures landlords have to meet conditions around fire, gas and electric safety, disrepair issues, pest infestations and keeping the exterior of properties intact.

Related posts:

Landlord licensing is ‘helping to drive up standards’ says council Council to challenge government’s Landlord Licensing rejection Bluebell Park wins top regional property award Crowne Plaza completes £1.8m refurbishment Lime Street remains closed as Futurist work continues Demolition of Walton pub recommended despite over 100 objections