A SCHEME has been launched to outlaw unscrupulous landlords.

A clean-up starts on Teesside this week, beginning with the town centre of Middlesbrough.

Anyone who rents out accommodation in the Gresham area will need to be licensed under a selective scheme.

The landlords and their accommodation must pass a 29-point check by Middlesbrough Council before they are licensed.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, the executive member for environment, said: "We want to work with landlords and residents to transform Gresham into an attractive neighbourhood where people want to live and work. That can only be achieved if a bold approach is employed.''

The aim is to root out long-standing problems of crime and anti-social behaviour in Gresham, to make the neighbourhood a more attractive place in which to live.

The council has become only the second local authority in the country to introduce a licensing system of this kind, after successfully applying to the Government for the necessary powers.

Coun Coppinger said yesterday: "Selective licensing is one of the ways that we can bring about regeneration in Gresham, working with private landlords in tackling anti-social behaviour and improving the standard of rented property."

The scheme will make private sector landlords responsible for maintaining their houses to the highest safety standards, and also makes them vet their tenants in an effort to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

Landlords will also have to obtain references from prospective tenants before they let a property.

The council has set up a team to provide support, advice and training free to private landlords.

Officers will also investigate complaints and tackle anti-social behaviour using a range of enforcement powers - including eviction - and by working with other agencies, including the police.

If there are any instances of anti-social behaviour from tenants, landlords will be offered specialist help.

Coun Coppinger said: "The council recognises the valuable contribution that many landlords make to the town and wishes to continue to support good landlords.

"However, we are concerned about the negative impact and poor perception of the private rented sector in many areas of the town. Selective licensing aims to address the ineffective and poor management of some privately rented properties.''

The licensing scheme was launched in Gresham yesterday.