Norwich City Council's proposed landlord licensing schemes are facing scrutiny from the Eastern Landlords Association (ELA), supported by a detailed report. The council approved consultation on these schemes on 9 September 2026, though final approval has not yet been granted.
The proposals include selective licensing for around 6,300 privately rented properties in the Nelson, Mile Cross, Sewell, and Town Close areas. Additionally, a citywide additional licensing scheme is proposed for approximately 1,100 Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The standard fees are proposed at £700 for selective licensing and £1,000 for additional licensing, with licences typically valid for up to five years.
The report highlights questions regarding the council's supporting evidence, including comparisons of housing hazards and anti-social behaviour figures. It also suggests that the council needs to clarify how the schemes will deliver improvements, how these will be measured, and why the chosen approach is justified, particularly in comparison to alternative methods.