LANDLORDS in Southend have just months to clean up their act or face penalties with a new licensing scheme set to come into play.

Private landlord will need to apply for a five-year license, costing £688, which will enable Southend Council to inspect their properties to ensure they are up to scratch.

Applications will open soon with the scheme set to be launched on December 1.

During a council meeting on Tuesday, it was revealed that early-bird discounts will be available to landlords that are quick to register.

Those who do not do apply will face enforcement action by the council.

Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “This has been a key priority for our administration over a number of years.

“We’re already committed legally that the system will be ready to receive applications by December 1, which is a challenging timeline but one which we’re determined to hit.”

The scheme is being introduced in nine neighbourhoods within Milton, Kursaal, Victoria and Chalkwell wards, because of antisocial behaviour, poor property conditions, and high levels of deprivation and crime.

The scheme will be used as a tool to tackle these issues by improving the quality of the management of rented accommodation.

Laurie Burton, councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “I’m really pleased we’re doing this. I think this is a real achievement for the coalition in terms of something that is going to have an absolute marked improvement on the lives of the most vulnerable people.

“I’ve met so many people who have landlords who just refuse to do anything and it’s just not fair.

“The odds are stacked against people if they don’t have the money to move home.

“Not everyone has a deposit so they can just move somewhere else, especially if you are on Universal Credit. You can’t find another landlord to take you so you end up stuck with a landlord who is just not doing what is needed.”

The scheme was agreed by the council in March this year.

Mr Burton added: “They have had enough time to get their house in order and the time has come to clamp down on rogue landlords and say to good landlords we support you.”