PRIVATE landlords, managing agents and tenants are being urged to contact the Council ahead of the new landlord licensing scheme, which is set to be launched in Hartlepool in July.

They are being asked by Hartlepool Borough Council housing officials to confirm that they own, manage or live in a property in one of the 13 streets where a licence may be required.

This follows a recent decision by the Council, after a public consultation, to introduce a five-year licensing scheme in the streets – Cornwall Street, Kimberley Street, Richmond Street, Rydal Street, Borrowdale Street, Sydenham Road, Burbank Street, St Oswald’s Street, Dent Street, Furness Street, Sheriff Street, Straker Street and Stephen Street.

Selective licensing aims to improve the management standards and practices of private sector landlords and managing agents, which includes taking effective measures against their tenants if they become involved in anti-social behaviour. It requires landlords to purchase a licence for each property they rent out within the streets covered by the scheme and comply with a range of conditions relating to how the properties are managed.

Landlords may qualify for an “early bird” discount on the £600 cost of a licence if they submit a satisfactory licence application before August 17.

The Council’s Selective Licensing team can be contacted on (01429) 266522 or by emailing selectivelicensing@hartlepool.gov.uk