A compulsory landlord registration scheme aimed at protecting tenants and neighbours will come into effect next year, it has been announced.

As of April 1, all landlords will have to pay for a licence for each property they own.

It will cost £250 per household if landlord’s register in the first three months of the scheme and £500 thereafter.

Each home will be subject to inspection as part of the process to ensure they meet basic guidelines and tenants are not causing problems for neighbours.

However, some landlords oppose the move, claiming the link made between privately rented homes and anti-social behaviour is tenuous and extra costs will be passed on to renters.

Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, cabinet member for housing, said: “A strong link has been identified between levels of anti-social behaviour and homes that are rented out privately.

“The private rented sector makes up one-third of homes within the borough, so it is an issue that we need to address.”