Housing Standards Scheme For Scarborough Renters And Landlords Could Be Extended

A ten-week public consultation has been launched to gather views on renewing and expanding a mandatory licensing scheme designed to improve the quality of privately rented homes in Scarborough.

Housing standards for privately rented properties in parts of Scarborough could be regulated for a further five years.

A ten-week public consultation has opened to gather views on renewing a selective licensing scheme in the Weaponness and Ramshill division.

More than one thousand privately rented homes are currently covered by the initiative, which requires all private landlords operating in the designated area to obtain a licence and comply with specific conditions.

These mandatory rules include conducting legal safety checks, protecting the rights of tenants, and ensuring properties are maintained to an appropriate standard.

The current regulations will expire in April 2027. Council officials are proposing to renew the scheme from May 1, 2027, and are considering expanding the boundaries to include Valley Road and Esplanade Gardens.

Poorly managed accommodation, anti-social behaviour, and wider neighbourhood concerns are the primary targets of the licensing programme, giving authorities additional powers to enforce housing management standards.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Councillor Simon Myers, said:

"We have a good relationship with private landlords across North Yorkshire and the vast majority provide good quality accommodation and manage their properties responsibly.

However, there can be a small number of privately rented properties that are poorly managed and fall below acceptable standards, which can have a negative effect on the local area and the communities who live and work there.

Issues such as anti-social behaviour, high rates of crime and low demand can adversely affect the wellbeing and confidence of residents and neighbourhoods.

We believe selective licensing is an important tool that helps us work with landlords to improve standards in the private rented sector, supporting tenants and tackling issues that can undermine communities.

I would encourage residents, tenants and landlords in the area to take part in the consultation and share their views."

Views from tenants, private landlords, and the wider community can be submitted online until Sunday, October 12 at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/scarborough-south-selective-licensing-consultation

Public drop-in sessions will also be held for those wanting to find out more and speak directly to staff. These will take place at Beacon Hall, within St Andrew’s United Reformed Church on Albion Crescent in Scarborough.

The sessions are scheduled for Thursday, August 20, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and again from 6.30pm to 8.30pm; Monday, August 24, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm; and Thursday, September 24, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Feedback gathered during the consultation period will be reviewed before a final decision is made on the renewal.

The full list of streets proposed for inclusion covers a significant portion of the Weaponness and Ramshill division. Residents and landlords operating on Albion Crescent, Albion Road, Alga Terrace, Back Crown Terrace, Back Oriel Crescent, Back South Street, Back Trinity Road, Belmont Road, Cambridge Terrace, Carlton Terrace, Craven Street, Cromwell Gardens, Cromwell Parade, Cromwell Road, and Cromwell Terrace are all urged to take part.

The proposed scheme also encompasses Crown Close Back Road, Crown Crescent, Crown Crescent Back Road, Crown Terrace, Esplanade numbers 1 to 30 inclusive, Esplanade Gardens, Filey Road odd numbers 1 to 19, Fulford Road odd numbers 1 to 5a and 17, plus even numbers 2a, 2b and 2c, Greenfield Road, Grosvenor Crescent, Grosvenor Road, Montpellier Terrace, Oliver Street, and Oriel Crescent.

Finally, the designated zone extends to Prince of Wales Terrace, Princess Royal Lane, Princess Royal Terrace, Ramshill Road, Royal Avenue, Royal Crescent, Royal Crescent Lane, South Street, St Martins Avenue, St Martins Place, St Martins Road, St Martins Square, Trinity Road, Valley Road, West Street odd numbers 1 to 15 and even numbers 2 to 8, West Terrace, Westbourne Grove, and Westbourne Road.