Landlords in Norwich could face a new licensing regime, potentially covering smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and privately rented homes in four wards. Norwich City Council is set to present its private rented sector review to the scrutiny committee this week.
The council's report indicates that evidence could support city-wide additional licensing for HMOs housing three or four people. Additionally, selective licensing is being considered for properties in the Nelson, Mile Cross, Town Close, and Sewell wards.
Currently, no specific scheme has been proposed. Councillors are being asked to review, note, and comment on the findings of the report. The report states that ongoing challenges exist within Norwich’s private rented sector concerning housing conditions, property management, and wider neighbourhood impacts.
Norwich has 20,330 privately rented properties, making up 29.3% of its total homes. Council estimates suggest that 2,286 of these properties, or 11.2% of the sector, have at least one serious home hazard.