People in Weymouth will be asked if licensing should be introduced to try to improve rented housing. 

Councillors today decided to consult on whether a Selective Licensing Scheme should be introduced for private rented housing in Melcombe Regis. The decision was made by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Management Committee.

The aim of such a scheme is to improve how private rented housing is managed and maintained, while also addressing the high levels of deprivation within the ward. The consultation on the proposed scheme will take place early next year.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Housing Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “I am glad the Management Committee of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has approved the proposal to consult with residents on whether to introduce a Selective Licensing Scheme for private rented housing within Melcombe Regis.

“It is called a selective scheme as it is at the discretion of the council. After the consultation it will need to go back to the council for debate, but it will effectively mean that all of the private rented accommodation in most of the Melcombe Regis ward will be subject to inspection.

Improve the quality of rented housing

“The aim of such a scheme is to help ensure that private rented housing is of a decent standard. We believe good landlords will support such a scheme as will tenants. The consultation will be available online shortly, please take the time to have your say and complete it.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council works with landlords to improve housing. Current schemes include ‘Heat Melcombe Regis’, which sees free central heating made available as well as other measures to tackle fuel poverty. The borough council also supports and works with landlords through the Landlords Local Authority Partnership.

More information on the council’s work with landlords is available here.