Legislation News

Oadby and Wigston to Implement Selective Licensing Scheme for Private Rented Properties

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council has announced the introduction of a new Selective Licensing scheme, set to commence on 10 November 2025. This initiative aims to regulate all privately rented properties in designated areas of Wigston and South Wigston, ensuring they meet specific safety and management standards.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

How Article 4 Can Affect Property Values and Change Supply in The Student Market

Article 4 of the Housing Act of 1988 is a directive that allows local authorities in the United Kingdom to impose additional planning controls on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). These controls can include additional licensing requirements and stricter planning permission rules for landlords who wish to convert a property into an HMO.

Written by: First 4 Lettings

Fees

PERMITTED PAYMENTS

As well as paying the rent, you may also be required to make the following permitted payments:

1) Holding Deposit: Up to one week’s rental

2) Deposit: One month’s rental (5 weeks rental dependent on individual’s circumstances)

3) Payments for utilities (gas, electricity & water), communication services (telephone & broadband), Installation/Subscription of cable/satellite, TV licence and council tax

4) Default Fee (late payment of rent): If full Rent is not paid within 14 days or more of the Rent Due Date there will be a charge 3% plus the Bank of England base interest rate of the full rental amount until full payment is received

5) Default Fee (breach of tenancy agreement, any other permitted payments, under relevant legislation including contractual damages): For any breach of the tenancy agreement based on the reasonably incurred costs of the agent or landlord

6) Replacement of keys, fobs or other security devices

7) Default Fee (changes to the tenancy): An administrative charge of £50.00 or greater for any assignment, variation or novation of the tenancy agreement made at the tenant’s request (only if agreed by The Landlord and/or The Landlord’s Agent)

8) Payments in respect of early termination of a tenancy agreement at the tenant’s request


TENANT PROTECTION

First 4 Lettings is a member of Client Money Protect which is a client money protection scheme, and also a member of PRS (Property Redress Scheme), which is a redress scheme.