I wonder if the writers (The rush to raise our rents and Better talk to landlords, March 25) understand what is proposed by this landlord licensing scheme the Labour council is bringing in.

From what I have read, the cost is £750 per property, reduced to £350 if paid early, and the licence is valid for five years. Apparently there are no other requirements running alongside this cost, so long as the landlord abides by the regulations.

This is hardly a lot of money bearing in mind the cost of purchasing a buy-to-let in the first place, and all the legal and financial aspects that go with it, so should have no influence on rental costs.

While it may seem that “good”

landlords are being penalised, it is often the case in life that the actions of a few result in something that affects all. There are still many out there who are interested only in a steady stream of rental income, not in the comfort of their tenants or the upkeep of their property.

These days there are many more absentee landlords, some living overseas, who have no connection with the area their property is in, and simply do not care.

We have seen this in our area where many owner-occupier homes have become rentals over the years, and the condition of the properties deteriorate; fences fall down and are not repaired, paint peels from walls and is just left, front gardens are no longer cared for and become full of rubbish.

All these things have a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood, and often lead to other things, like fly-tipping, simply because the perception is that people in the area do nt care any more.

If this tax enables the council to build up a comprehensive register of owners, and if the regulations are diligently enforced, it is to be hoped that the standard of housing will improve.

As regards the assertion that mortgage companies will become more reluctant to lend money on buy-to-let properties (which I do not believe for a moment), perhaps that would be a good thing.

It might lead to more housing on the market and a reduction in the ridiculous property prices being asked, mainly in London and the south-east, so that more people could once again afford to buy their own home.

NGAIRE SHARPLES
The Rosery Ashburton