Landlords urged to be wary over council ‘safer renting’ schemes

Landlords urged to be wary over council ‘safer renting’ schemes

0:03 AM, 9th July 2024, About 5 months ago 7

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Landlords need to be cautious over the growing numbers of council-promoted ‘Safer Renting’ schemes, one legal expert warns.

Phil Turtle, of Landlord Licensing & Defence, says that while the schemes appear to be aimed at improving tenant safety, they may have a hidden agenda.

That is to collect information from landlords they are not obliged to disclose.

‘A trap for unsuspecting landlords’

Mr Turtle said: “The concern lies in the potential for these schemes to act as a trap for unsuspecting landlords.

“By participating, landlords could be inadvertently providing information that could be used against them in the future.”

The firm is warning that landlords’ concerns include being asked to declare compliance with regulations, which could be seen as an admission of guilt if violations are later found.

Also, councils may not have complete information on a landlord’s properties, and joining the scheme could fill those gaps for enforcement purposes.

‘Landlords play a vital role’

Mr Turtle said: “Landlords play a vital role in providing housing for countless individuals and families.

“It’s crucial they understand their rights and obligations, and approach these ‘safer renting’” schemes with caution.”

He also highlights another concern which is how the collected information about the landlord will be used and stored.

Mr Turtle said: “Landlords may be unaware of how this information could impact them in the future.”

Join a council ‘Safer Renting’ scheme

Landlord Licensing & Defence offers these tips for landlords considering whether they should join a council ‘Safer Renting’ scheme:

  • Carefully review the scheme’s requirements and data usage policies
  • Consult a specialist in landlord law to understand the potential implications
  • Maintain meticulous records of property maintenance, inspections, and tenant communication.

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havens havens

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18:38 PM, 9th July 2024, About 4 months ago

You know, these council-promoted 'Safer Renting' schemes are causing a bit of concern among landlords lately. They're meant to improve tenant safety, which is great, but there's a flip side to it that's making some of us wary.

The thing is, by joining these schemes, landlords might end up sharing more information than they realize. This info could potentially be used against us later on, especially if there are any compliance issues or disputes down the road. It's like walking into a situation where you could unintentionally give away ammo that could be used against you later.

I think it's smart to take a cautious approach. Before jumping in, it's probably wise to talk to someone who knows landlord law inside out. They can help us understand exactly what we're getting into and how to protect ourselves. Plus, keeping really detailed records of everything—maintenance, inspections, tenant communications—can't hurt either. It's all about covering our bases.

At the end of the day, of course, tenant safety matters a lot. But as landlords, we also need to make sure we're not inadvertently putting ourselves at risk.

Cider Drinker

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20:52 PM, 9th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Never share anything with the Council. They are not on the side of fairness.

They don’t have sufficient accommodation to meet their legal responsibilities. Their aim is to steal yours.

PETER harvey

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10:12 AM, 10th July 2024, About 4 months ago

yes rented to barking & dagenham council - gave 5 months notice i wanted the property back - took 2 years and it was only after i started court proceedings that they started looking for accommodation for the family. property wrecked (although they did pay towards some of the repairs) tenant in serious arrears and debt but they managed to find her a new 4 bed house and kit it out for her.

the council just use landlords as they have no accommodation suitable - they also have a legal department which they used to wriggle out of things.

never even would i rent to the council again - the agent told me that the tenants they re-house in private landlord accommodation are the ones that have caused them problems - non payment of rent or anti social behaviour but they have to house them or the children wld have to go into care. it is a never ending circle - they are evicted - rehoused - evicted and so it goes on.

PETER harvey

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10:20 AM, 10th July 2024, About 4 months ago

as to comments concerning damp and mould - i find all this cooking for restaurants and outside catering are causing much of the problem. had a family next door cooking all night and girls arriving to cook all night - then vans taking it to restaurants where it is sold to the public,. informed the council who inspected massive freezers in the garage (they did not like to inspect them) complete waste of time - they slept all day and cooked all night - they know it is against the law and then move the whole operation around to another house when things get a bit dodgy - goes on all over london. half of the food was left in bowls in the garden talk about hygiene

councils seem powerless toe stop it.

Reluctant Landlord

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10:26 AM, 10th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 09/07/2024 - 20:52
or for you to fund their temp accommodation costs (via enforcement and fines) that are spiralling....which is ironic as private LL's now refusing to take on high risk tenant as a result any LL legislation and the increase of council licencing schemes....

DPT

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18:00 PM, 10th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Reply to the comment left by havens havens at 09/07/2024 - 18:38
Havens havens I hope you won't think me rude, but are you an AI bot? It's just that your replies to posts seem to largely regurgitate the original post.

Cause For Concern

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10:52 AM, 24th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 09/07/2024 - 20:52Totally agree…doing everything for tenant safety but not going to be a hostage to the council. They know too much as it is.

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