Now, due to the success of the campaign, councillors want to roll out the house in multiple occupation (HMO) licensing to other neighbourhoods.
Police in Blackpool, Lancashire, report that crime relating to private rental property has dropped from 720 incidents to 333 since selective licensing started in the South Shore part of the town in March 2012.
Out of the total, 60 cases were referred to anti-social behaviour officers to deal with.
The local authority introduced the scheme to raise housing standards in the neighbourhood.
Councillor Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for housing, said: “Nearly all the landlords are on board with the scheme and the area feels cleaner and refreshed. It doesn’t feel quite as manic as before.
“I go out on inspections with the team and everyone is highly visible and people know who to go to and speak to about their concerns.
“We have an anti-social behaviour officer and an excellent enforcement team.
“Of course there is a lot of transience in Blackpool and it is not easy to sort it out, but I feel people’s wellbeing starts with their housing and having a landlord who does not do repairs or leaves people living in damp rooms is not acceptable.”
Nearly all landlords have applied for five-year licence - costing from £690 for one home to £960 for up to five.
Selective licensing is ready for the adjoining Claremont area, with consultation starting on September 9, 2013
More information about selective licensing in Blackpool
Stoke-on-Trent City Council wants to introduce selective licensing to neighbourhoods in Fenton and Cobridge.
Consultation ends on November 15, 2013.
More information about selective licensing in Stoke
