The update is "to clarify selective licensing legislation, and requirements for applications submitted to the department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities."

Applications (for approval to go ahead with a proposed selective licensing scheme) to DLUHC are required where a scheme is proposed to cover more than 20% of a local authority's geographical area or would affect more than 20% of the privately rented homes in a local authority's area.

The 20th June guidance update underlines that "selective licensing is not a tool that can be used in isolation" but must be part of an overall "strategic local authority wide approach" and should fit with existing policies on homelessness, empty homes, regeneration and anti-social behaviour.

Local authorities should also ensure that selective licensing complements other measures "where existing measures alone are not sufficient to tackle the underlying housing problems of a specific housing area" and taking into account the risk of increased costs for landlords, particularly those who are already "fully compliant with their obligations."

Local housing authorities will also "have to demonstrate the role of other partners .... in ensuring that the designation [of a selective licence area] reaches its goal."

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