Leeds property owners face a tough-to-swallow fee hike as the city council proposes a record-breaking £1‚225 licensing charge (the highest in Britain) for rental properties in low-income neighborhoods
Steven Robinson‚ who manages nine rental units says its unfair: “Im working as a social landlord picking up the slack for Leeds City Council“
Iʼve worked over 60-hour weeks to repair and restore properties to get them ready for renting. I wasnt looking for a quick profit; I was looking for a steady income
The new scheme affects areas like Beeston Wortley and Harehills - where about 30% of tenants are non-British European and 30% African (based on local stats). Property owner Kathryn Badon who owns six units points out that council-owned properties dont face these same rules; which seems un-fair
- Oxford charges £1‚100
- Leeds proposed fee: £1‚225
- Ashfield charges £350
- UK average is £734.62
The citys previous £825 fee program started back in 2020 and ends early next year - but this new one covers more areas and costs 45% extra. The council says theyve fixed over 1500 homes through these checks; however some experts question if these rules target the right neighborhoods
Paul Conway from Yuno (a property-check company) notes that areas with good homes often get more rules than places with bad ones - which doesnt make much sense The council wants feedback by years end before making their final choice