England's private landlords are facing mounting costs under the incoming Renters' Rights Act, but one licensing expert says the solution could lie on the island of Jersey.
Phil Turtle, a director of Landlord Licensing & Defence, is urging ministers and local authorities to look to Jersey's model of low-cost property licensing.
That's because landlords there pay just £60 for a license that runs for two years.
The Daily Telegraph recently revealed that landlords in selective licensing zones could soon be paying hundreds of pounds just to run their business.
Not only will they be paying to register with council-run schemes, but also the national Private Rented Sector Database and the PRS Ombudsman.
Selective licensing income
Mr Turtle says that many English councils have turned selective licensing into 'a revenue stream rather than a safety measure'.
He said: "These schemes often prioritise council coffers over tenant safety.
"Landlords are hit with fees ranging from £600 to Leicester City Council's eye-watering £1,290, and that's before the national database and ombudsman pile on more costs, possibly another £200."
Jersey enjoys high compliance
By contrast, Jersey's Rented Dwelling Licensing Scheme, which launched in 2024 under the Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law 2018, has achieved rapid compliance at a fraction of the price.
For £60 every two years, all rental homes on the island must be licensed.
A government report found that of Jersey's 44,583 households, more than 18,000 rented homes, or 87% of the total, were licensed in the first year.
Deputy Steve Luce, the minister for the environment, praised the scheme's simplicity and affordability, saying it had 'set a strong foundation for the future'.
How can Jersey do it?
Mr Turtle said the results speak for themselves and added: "If Jersey can license all rental properties for just £60 every two years and ensure they're safe and compliant, why does England need a landlord database with its own fee, an ombudsman service with another fee and hundreds of council selective licensing schemes on top?"
He also criticised England's five-year licence cycles, arguing they allow safety issues to go unnoticed.
Mr Turtle said: "Jersey's two-year renewal keeps standards fresh and proactive."
Confused landlords struggle
The selective licensing expert believes the complexity of England's fragmented system is discouraging compliance.
He said: "Far from safeguarding tenants, this patchwork of over 340 different council licensing schemes confuses landlords who are already struggling to keep up with rules.
"Even Chancellor Rachel Reeves admits she can't figure out the regulations – imagine how that's hitting small-scale landlords – and unlike those in high places, ordinary landlords don't get let off with a slapped wrist by revenue hungry councils, they get massive fines for simple mistakes!"
RRA brings huge landlord fines
He also warns that the Renters' Rights Act could make matters worse by giving council enforcement officers 'the power to slap £30,000 to £40,000 fines, stripping assets and driving good landlords out of the market.'
Calling for urgent reform, Mr Turtle said: "Affordability breeds compliance.
"High fees deter registration, leaving unsafe properties off the radar and tenants at risk."
He adds: "It's time for England to stop the money grab and start prioritising tenant safety."
Student landlord costs
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "Student landlords already face a maze of costs, from maintenance and insurance to compliance and licensing.
"Adding layer upon layer of fees risks pushing good operators out of the market altogether."
He added: "The lessons from Jersey could help student landlords, many of whom manage smaller portfolios, remain compliant without being crushed by bureaucracy.
"When the rules are clear and the costs are fair, landlords engage, register and maintain standards. It's that simple."
