A GROUP of private landlords have failed in an attempt to overturn council plans to license them.
Hyndburn Council’s licensing scheme was heralded last autumn as a crackdown on rogue landlords, to prevent empty properties blighting neighbourhoods.
The council also say the scheme improves tenants’ rights.
A group known as Hyndburn Landlords however challenged the legality of the scheme with the High Court, but Judge David Waksman QC dismissed attempts to have the scheme revoked.
Landlords have now been told to apply or face a £20,000 fine.
Peter Clarke, deputy leader of the council, said: “This is a victory for tenants of private landlords.
"We are trying to improve the lives of people living in rented accommodation.”
Hyndburn Landlords yesterday said they were unable to comment as they were taking legal advice.
The council’s scheme, requiring privately rented houses in selected areas of Accrington and Church to be licensed, was to come into force in October, until landlords applied to the courts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here