Experience as a landlord applying for a selective license

[LettingGo2022]

It looks like I may need to apply for one of these. What was your experience when doing so?

Just tried doing so, and the application process has asked me to notify my mortgage provider and not apply until i have done so. Another bit of protracted life admin costing £600 for the joy of doing it.

I’m a decent landlord, property is of a good standard, tend to any repairs quickly and not increased the rent ever in the several years since the tenants moved in several years ago - how is this admin and cost of any real benefit?

TIA for allowing me to rant!

Just seeing this @LettingGo2022 - hope you got it sorted.

I applied for mine last July as my council requires it.

I simply sent a letter to my bank the day of applying for the licence to inform them that I intended to apply for the licence (the selective licence).

That way I was complying with application requirements.

Just heard from council in feb to say they will send an inspector round, having paid £900 for the pleasure!

Income generation for sure but I can understand too that they want to ensure that rented accommodation is fit for purpose.

@Maggiethecat thanks for your reply. I’ve submitted it, and emailed the mortgage provider as requested. Not heard anything from the council, fingers crossed it goes smoothly as I hadn’t realised I needed one as of September last year.

@LettingGo2022 - should be fine. The regulations are fairly new and to be fair there has been a lot going on!

My concern is that my council are so lax that although I've paid almost a year ago I'm not sure when they will actually get round to inspection - hope the licence period won't be adversely affected by their tardiness.

Just seen this, the Landlordzone forum is my go to place for a rant, if you haven’t already found it.

The fines for not having the right license are huge. I had to have one for a rental flat. Had a few things checked over (electrics) and paid around £500.

I am lucky to be able to own two places to live.