LANDLORDS are due to discuss blocking a proposed selective licensing scheme at a meeting this evening (MAR 23).

Bournemouth council is currently consulting on selective licensing which, if agreed, will require landlords in the Boscombe area to buy licences for the properties they let in a bid to tackle antisocial behaviour and improve accommodation quality. The consultation ends on May 1.

The National Landlords Association (NLA) is opposed to the scheme and is urging rental property owners to attend a meeting at the Hallmark Hotel in Durley Chine Road to learn more.

Gavin Dick, local authority policy officer at the association, said: "It’s important that local landlords are aware of any potential changes to the way they let property, particularly if they will need to apply and pay for a licence.

"Licensing schemes can have a significant impact on landlords, tenants, local residents and their businesses, and so it is vital that those in Bournemouth are aware of what the proposals mean and how they may be affected.

"Meetings such as these provide a vital resource to keep landlords informed and updated, as well as an opportunity to pose questions, discuss the implications of the scheme and to plan accordingly."

Under government legislation, local authorities can introduce selective licensing in designated areas, providing those areas are suffering with crime, antisocial behaviour and poor quality housing.

Bournemouth council has claimed the scheme could contribute to the regeneration of Boscombe by ensuring landlords maintain their properties.

At the meeting, Mr Dick will be discussing the scheme and presenting the association's formal opposition to the proposal, as well as outlining what landlords can do to get involved and lend support.

Melvin Pugh, the NLA Representative for Dorset, is due to provide an update on recent association activity and news from the private rented sector.

The event begins at 7pm. Visit landlords.org.uk/events/bournemouth-selective-licensing-proposals to book.

Visit bournemouth.gov.uk/selectivelicensing for the consultation on selective licensing.