Two councils act on licensing fines and stronger PRS enforcement

Two councils are stepping up action on landlords in the PRS, with one issuing a warning over licensing compliance and another preparing tougher enforcement powers.

In Bexley’s Belvedere ward, landlords face fines of up to £30,000, rising to £40,000 for not joining a selective licensing scheme introduced in January last year.

Nearly 1,000 applications have been submitted, but officers are now examining properties believed to be operating without a licence.

The scheme covers all privately rented homes in the ward unless exempt.

Landlords must sign up

The council’s cabinet member for communities and housing, Cllr Brian Bishop, said: “The selective licensing scheme is designed to improve tenant safety, housing conditions and ensure landlord professionalism as well as reassuring residents in the area that the properties are safe and well looked after.

“As such, it is great news that so many of our landlords have already come forward to apply for their selective licence.

“We are however currently looking into a number of properties that we know are not signed up to the scheme.”

He added: “I would urge those landlords in Belvedere who have not applied for a licence to do so as soon as possible.

“If they don’t, they could face a large fine or prosecution.”

More landlord enforcement

Bexley council also says that enforcement work has increased alongside the rollout.

Nearly 100 inspections of licensed homes have taken place over the past year, while officers have also visited 150 properties to identify unlicensed accommodation.

Some inspections have identified Category 1 hazards, classed as posing an immediate risk to occupants.

Officers have worked with landlords and managing agents to address these issues and bring properties into line.

Calderdale to expand powers

Meanwhile, in Calderdale, councillors are considering expanding enforcement powers covering housing conditions.

The plans include introducing Civil Penalty Notices for housing offences, supported by new national legislation under the Renters’ Rights Act.

There are around 18,000 privately rented homes in Calderdale and complaints about property conditions trigger inspections and intervention.

Under the proposed framework, fines could be issued to landlords or agents for breaches including unsafe homes, illegal eviction or hazards affecting tenant safety.

It says that each hazard could attract a separate penalty depending on severity and responsibility.

Issue landlord penalties

Calderdale’s cabinet member for communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said: “We know that most private landlords in Calderdale treat their tenants fairly, but when we receive reports of unacceptable standards, or unsafe conditions, we are committed to taking swift and strong action.

“Legislation to allow us to issue penalty notices would strengthen our enforcement powers and see us getting tough on poor landlords or letting agents.

“Not only would this protect residents but would also support responsible landlords.”