A SELECTIVE licensing scheme is being brought in to force in the Tyisha ward of Llanelli, allowing the council greater control over private landlords.
The move has been approved by Executive Board, and follows extensive consultation with landlords, tenants, and members of the community.
It is the first time Carmarthenshire County Council has introduced a Selective Licensing Scheme, which gives power to the local authority to help improve the management of private rented properties in areas where they are concentrated and suffer high levels of anti-social behaviour.
It means landlords must meet certain standards to gain a license and both landlords and tenants must comply with obligations placed on them as part of the license.
Cllr Tegwen Devichand, Executive Board Member for Housing, said: “We carried out extensive consultation in the area and there is a lot of local support for this scheme, which we hope will make a difference to the community.”
Tyisha has the highest number of privately rented properties – double the county average.
It also has the highest recorded number of incidences of anti-social behaviour in the county.
The council has already made efforts to improve the area, introducing a Local Lettings Policy which puts stricter controls on allocations of council or housing association homes – early evidence suggesting it has had a positive impact.
Cllr Devichand added: “We are determined to make the Tyisha ward a better place to live, with improved housing conditions and a safer community.”
For further information call the Housing Options and Advice Team on 01267 234567.
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