0:04 AM, 24th July 2024, About 5 months ago
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Three councils have revealed plans to either consult on new selective licensing schemes in their areas or introduce stricter regulations.
Wandsworth Council says it is seeking to improve the private rented sector (PRS) in the borough by introducing two new licensing schemes.
The proposals, currently under consultation, aim to tackle criminal landlords and ensure better quality homes for tenants.
The council’s cabinet member for housing, Aydin Dikerdem, said: “Wandsworth has one of the highest number of private renters in the country, with over a third of our borough renting privately off of a landlord.
“While many do so without issue, sadly our officers continue to receive complaints from tenants found to be living in substandard and at times dangerous accommodation, with tenants often unsure of where to turn.
“Our proposals will help us to target rogue operators and those letting unsuitable properties, driving up standards to the benefit of all.”
The council is proposing two schemes: selective licensing and additional HMO licensing.
Selective licensing would apply to single-family homes and those with two sharers, while additional HMO licensing would cover small, shared houses with three or more households sharing amenities.
Wandsworth says the schemes would require landlords to meet specific safety and property condition standards.
The consultation is open to everyone with an interest in the private rented sector in Wandsworth, including tenants, landlords, agents, residents and those who work or study in the borough.
Feedback is being sought until October 14 2024.
Enfield Council is another council that is proposing to extend its additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and is seeking public input on the plans.
It believes that stricter regulations for HMOs are necessary to improve housing conditions and safety for tenants.
A previous licensing scheme, introduced in 2020, has – it claims – shown positive results, but the council wants to build on this.
The council’s cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, Councillor Susan Erbil, said: “Enfield, as with the rest of London, is in the midst of a housing crisis.
“With record numbers of people living in temporary accommodation and increasing numbers of families in crisis, there is an extreme shortage of housing within the borough.
“Council officers continue to uncover renters living in unsuitable and often dangerous conditions; some of these are our most vulnerable residents.”
However, the council acknowledges that challenges remain, and the proposed extended scheme will address these issues and provide better protection for private renters.
The consultation will gather feedback from residents, tenants, landlords, businesses, and other stakeholders on the current scheme and the proposed extension.
It is open until October 7 2024.
Eastbourne Borough Council has approved measures to address issues associated with Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the town.
Following a study into the impact of HMOs, the council has identified concerns about property standards and anti-social behaviour in some areas.
While acknowledging the important role HMOs play in providing housing options, the council has outlined a series of interventions to improve the situation.
These measures include stricter regulations for new HMO applications, increased standards for existing licensed HMOs, and a more efficient system for handling complaints.
The council will also address parking issues and explore options to limit the conversion of properties into small HMOs.
Councillor Peter Diplock, the cabinet member for housing, said: “HMOs provide an important part of the housing offer in Eastbourne, especially for people whose housing options are limited, such as young professionals, students and those on low incomes who are unable to afford their own self-contained accommodation.
“However, standards have fallen below expected levels in some areas, with properties not being properly maintained and there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in a number of locations.”
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