A CONSULTATION on the council's plans to introduce a licensing scheme for landlords is being extended to neighbouring boroughs.
The announcement of a new ten-week consultation period, which started on Tuesday in response to a High Court ruling against Enfield Council delivered two weeks ago.
The landmark judge's landmark ruling against Enfield's similar licensing scheme said it should have consulted with neighbouring councils authorities before deciding to pushing ahead.
Concerned about any knock-on effect of the ruling on its own plans, Croydon Council has now decided to consult with residents and businesses in Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, Merton, Sutton, Lewisham, Wandsworth, Tandridge and Reigate and Banstead.
The council's original consultation involved landlords and residents in Croydon alone. The new one will run until March 2 but any responses already submitted will be considered.
Croydon has around 30,000 private rented properties and the council has said its scheme will is designed to improve conditions for tenants, raise standards across the sector and toughen up enforcement powers against bad landlords.
Those renting out a property without a licence face fines of up to £20,000, while anyone breaking licence conditions could be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000.
Initial feedback has already persuaded promoted the council to cut the licence fee to £350 per property over five years, the equivalent of 19p a day. Original proposals had suggested a fee of £1,000 per property over five years.
Cllr Alison Butler, the cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: "Our landlord licensing scheme proposals are about making Croydon a better place to rent and providing greater protection to private tenants."
"There are lots of good landlords in Croydon, but this scheme is about focusing on the ones that pose a headache for their tenants and neighbours."
She said following the High Court ruling on the extent of consultation in Enfield, the extended process planned by Croydon "will ensure that Croydon's consultation reflects the High Court's ruling by engaging with people in neighbouring boroughs."
Anyone wanting To take part, in the consultation should visit www.croydon.gov.uk/betterplace
torent or call MEL research on 0121 604 4664.
