The NLA report that the action was taken after the results from three different legal judgments involving English councils. The rulings now mean that landlords may have been incorrectly charged licensing fees - and as such could be entitled to a full refund.
Richard Lambert, the Chief Executive of the NLA, stated "The private-rented sector is a valuable and growing part of local housing provision and it is essential that landlords are able to work with their local authorities constructively to meet housing need. However, this has been made difficult by some councils’ obfuscations concerning licensing fees. He continues: "In light of these recent rulings we have asked local authorities to come clean about the level of fees they have charged private-landlords, if they were entitled to make these charges, and when they will refund any money unjustly demanded. In writing to all local authorities in England we’re acknowledging the good working partnership many private landlords have with town halls, but making clear they should not be absorbing the costs of overcharging to support other council functions”.
The NLA has, in response to the rulings, contacted all UK local authorities to contact directly all affected landlords. For landlords of HMO properties why not get in contact with your local authority or visit the NLA's website for more ?
