| Reference No | 7030134 |
|---|---|
| Date Last Amended | 20 March 2007 |
| Contact Name | Joanne Cavanagh |
| Position | Private Sector Housing Manager |
| Contact Telephone No | 0161 770 4432 |
| Area of Responsibility | ALL |
| Wards Affected | Saddleworth North Saddleworth South Saddleworth West & Lees |
| Title | Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy |
| Summary | The attached briefing is a summary of the private sector housing enforcement policy. An officer from the Private Sector Housing Team will attend to present this report. |
| Supporting Documentation | |
| Advice Sought | |
| Declared Interests | |
| Reasons for Exemption (If Exempt) | |
| Details of Consultation | |
| Options Considered | |
| Recommendation | To note the report and comment as necessary |
| Of interest to the following Overview and Scrutiny Committees | |
| Decision | Consideration was given to the report regarding the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and the presentation by Joanne Cavanaugh. It was explained that new housing legalization gave the Council new powers to deal with poor conditions within the private housing sector. These powers enabled the Council to service a notice for non-compliance of standards at the cost of £300. Currently there are approximately 5,000 private rented accommodation within the market and the Council was working with private landlords to bring properties up to standard and with tenancy agreements. It was also explained that an accredited scheme was also being piloted. A councilor raised the following questions: - what are the benefits to Landlords to take part in the accredited scheme - Licensing - what requires a license? - Deposits - how does the scheme work? - Standards - Does the Landlords rating increase on the standard of accommodation and the investment made in the property - Is there a problem within Saddle worth & Lees area? In response the following answers were given - The accredited scheme was a voluntary scheme where landlords sign up to a code of practice to adhere to legal standards and encourages them to understand their responsibilities through the Government's Decent Home Standard Incentive Programmed, regarding energy efficiency and values. The benefits for Landlords enables them to access marketing through Net rent. It was also explained that a reference checking scheme was also being considered, however protocols would need to be in place. - Licensing - A license is required for private landlords who have properties on 3 floors with more than 5 people in occupancy. - Deposits - A national website has been designed where landlords pay an annual fee for the administration of deposits and in-turn would mediate any disputes between the landlord and tenant. - It was explained that Saddleworth was an area of growth, with more letting agencies setting up within the area. In response to a question raised regarding whether the policy applied to empty houses, it was confirmed that they were included and an Empty Management Disorder Act could be used if required. Joanne Cavanaugh was thanked for her presentation. RESOLVED: That the report be noted. |
| Decision made by | SADDLEWORTH AND LEES |
| Date of Decision | 29 March 2007 |
| Date Called in |