The Government is thinking of imposing a ban on the display of buy-to-let boards in parts of Leicester, as a result of the council’s bid to gain new powers.
Earlier in 2016, Leicester City Council submitted a bid to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to limit to display of To Let board is locations close to Leicester’s two universities.
Consultation
Now, the Government has pressed forwards with a formal consultation to allow more people to comment on the bid before any decision is reached.
Should the proposal be agreed, this would mean that formal permission would be needed in order for To Let boards to be displayed in these areas. In addition, it would give Leicester Council more powers to act against boards that are put up without necessary permission.
A council spokesperson said that in some areas around the universities, To Let boards appear almost permanently.
‘We introduced a voluntary code of practice three years ago. Unfortunately, only a handful of agents have compiled with this and we continue to see large numbers of these advertisements on display. Many students looking for property to rent now use online searches when they’re looking for property, so the boards are largely used as advertising for the agents rather than serving their proper purpose,’ the spokesperson added.[1]
Government thinking of banning To Let boards in Leicester
Ban
Should the ban be imposed, agents and landlords will be required to advertise empty properties using smaller boards, put inside windows. Landlords or agents who do not comply with a potential ban could face fines of up to £2,500, or even prosecution.
If the proposals get given the green light, these measures can be introduced in the middle of 2017.
[1] https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2016/10/government-considering-bid-to-ban-to-let-boards-in-parts-of-city