Informing Our Landlords With The Latest Judicial Review Updates
Member Updates
Welcome to the Leeds Landlord Lobby Group Member Update. Here you will find the most recent information on our ongoing Judicial Review efforts and related campaign activities. Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments as we work towards a fairer and transparent housing policy in Leeds.
Current Campaign Focus
Our current campaign focus is on raising awareness about the potential negative impacts of the Selective Licensing Scheme on small and medium-sized landlords. We are actively engaging with local media, stakeholders, and policymakers to highlight the need for a balanced approach that considers the interests of both landlords and tenants. Our goal is to foster a constructive dialogue that leads to more equitable housing policies in Leeds.
Latest Developments
Judicial Review Progress
A joint meeting was held between Leeds Landlords Ltd, Leeds Landlords Group, and the Eastern Landlords Association to review progress on the Judicial Review challenge and agree next steps.
Our commitment to transparency and fairness drives our efforts to challenge the Selective Licensing Scheme. Stay connected with us as we share insights, legal updates, and strategic plans to ensure that landlord rights are respected and upheld. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on housing policies in Leeds.
- The Judicial Review is now focused on two core legal arguments around unlawful fee calculations
- Estimated £6.7 million overcharge to landlords identified
- Enforcement income projected at £6–9 million under the new scheme
- Lack of clarity from Leeds City Council on compliance requirements
- If successful, landlords could save approximately £400 per property
Important Update
Members of the group reviewed a legal briefing confirming that certain costs included within Selective Licensing fees may fall outside the scope permitted under the Housing Act 2004.
In particular, inspection and enforcement-related costs appear to be incorrectly included within licence fees, despite being functions under different parts of the legislation.
It was also noted that Leeds City Council’s own enforcement policy states that enforcement costs should be recovered through charges and fines, not licence fees.
Financial estimates suggest that landlords may be collectively overcharged by approximately £6.7 million under the current structure.
Latest Key Point
Our legal team has successfully filed the initial documents for the Judicial Review against Leeds City Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme. This marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to ensure that the policies affecting landlords are fair and transparent. We are committed to keeping our members informed as the review progresses.
Next Steps
Message To Landlords
- Legal representation being progressed
- Fundraising ongoing (including potential CrowdJustice route)
- Engagement planned with local councillors
- Communication to landlords being expanded
This challenge has the potential to significantly reduce licence fees, we estimate by up to £400.00 per property.
Members are encouraged to stay engaged, support fundraising efforts, and share updates with other landlords.
We still desperately need funds for this legal challenge, so please consider donating to our cause.