Updated 5th January 2021, originally published 4th November 2020

Have your say, especially if you live in a privately rented home or are a landlord. Southend Council is currently considering the introduction of a Selective Licensing scheme within parts of the borough with known anti-social behaviour (ASB), poor property conditions, high crime levels and deprivation. The consultation closes next Monday, 11th January.

It is proposed to designate the identified areas in the wards of Milton, Kursaal, Victoria and Chalkwell for selective licensing.

Selective Licensing of residential accommodation is intended to ensure that all properties let in the private rented sector are of a good standard, well maintained and well managed. It applies to all private rented properties that are not a house in multiple occupation (HMO) that is already licensed. It is a tool to deliver sustainable improvements to private rented accommodation, increasing the quality of existing stock in the private rented sector in terms of both physical conditions and management standards. These are improvements that Southend Labour has wanted to implement for some time and now has the opportunity to do so.

Before making a decision, the Council wants to hear residents’ views about the proposal and any alternatives it could consider.

If you are a private tenant, landlord or lettings and managing agent we encourage you to take part in the consultation. Residents, businesses and other organisations who are affected by nearby private rented accommodation are also very welcome to give their views.

You can read more about what is proposed and complete the survey at this page. Before responding to the consultation, we encourage you to read the supporting documents and FAQs on the right hand side of that page. The closing date for submissions is 11th January 2021.