Council inspects 500 PRS homes – and finds 2,000 issues

A council that launched its selective licensing scheme for private rented sector homes in March claims to have inspected 500 properties since – and found 2,000 issues.

It says it is now big strides in improving PRS housing standards.

Peterborough City Council says that despite initial landlord reservations, more than 7,000 licence applications have been received.

The selective licensing scheme involves inspections of licensed properties, and the council says it has uncovered issues of severe damp, mould, faulty and missing smoke detectors.

Inspectors also found inadequate ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms, the absence of window restrictors, and damaged ceiling and wall plaster.

Selective licensing scheme

Peterborough’s cabinet member for housing and communities, Councillor Alison Jones, said: “I’m delighted that the selective licensing scheme is continuing to make good progress and is already playing a key role in our aim of improving private rental housing in Peterborough, which in turn will help us create strong and sustainable communities.

“The fact that more than 2,000 issues have already been identified demonstrates that there was a clear need for selective licensing to be introduced.”

She adds: “I would like to thank those landlords who have joined the scheme and are working with us to improve standards.”

Improving housing standards

The council is working with a direct delivery partner called Home Safe and its scheme manager, Mike Brook, said: “We’re pleased with the impact the scheme is already having on improving housing standards.

“With over 500 inspections carried out on licensed properties, we are uncovering serious issues that could have otherwise gone unreported.

“By working closely with landlords to address these concerns, we’re now seeing noticeable improvements in the safety of many tenants’ homes.”

On track to issue all licences

The council says it is on track to issue all licences for valid applications by December.

It also says that to ensure compliance with safety and living standards, each licensed property will undergo two inspections over the five-year period of the licensing scheme.

The Selective Licensing team is now working with landlords to address the problems and improve living conditions for tenants in the affected properties.

The council is urging remaining landlords in the designated areas to apply for licences to avoid potential penalties of up to £30,000 or unlimited fines.

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