This document discusses challenges with privately rented housing and potential solutions. It notes that privately rented housing is often poor quality, poorly maintained, and has absentee landlords. This can impact both tenants and neighboring areas. Tenants in private rentals may also be vulnerable or have complex needs. There is a correlation between poorly managed rentals and anti-social behavior. Potential solutions discussed include landlord accreditation programs, rental property licensing, tenant support programs, enforcement actions against irresponsible landlords and tenants, and community engagement initiatives. The goal is to improve housing standards, support tenants and landlords, reduce anti-social behavior, and benefit the wider community.

1. Challenges with and for
Private Landlords and
Tenants
Mark Patchett

2. • Circa one third of properties at each of the four (ex)MOD
sites are owned by private landlords and rented to tenants
In Newtoft these are pepper-potted across the community,
and in other sites are largely in blocks
• Tenure is not necessarily a problem but a large
concentration of private rented can be
The Problem

3. Privately rented housing: Frequently
- poor quality and sub-standard housing
- low levels of insulation and inefficient heating
- poorly maintained, both internally and external
(incl. gardens and environment)
- absentee landlords, so difficult to contact
Impact is felt by both tenants and neighbouring areas,
especially where rent levels are low(er) or there are voids
Key Issues – Private Landlords

4. Tenants in private rented sector may
- be vulnerable and/or have complex (family) needs
- inappropriately opt for property or are placed
- have previous history of anti-social behaviour and/or
been evicted from previous tenancies
- find it difficult to access appropriate services and support
Key Issues - Tenants

5. There is a strong correlation between badly
managed, poor quality rental properties and
anti-social behaviour.
Ideally requires measures aimed at both
supporting and/or controlling landlords and
tenants

6. • Many authorities run voluntary accreditation schemes
with aim to achieve a decent standard of letting which
meets or exceeds all legal requirements
• Accreditation means achieving standards in a number of
areas incl.
- tenancy Agreement (setting out landlord and tenant
responsibilities)
- certification, decoration, cleanliness, maintenance
Example: Landlord Accreditation

7. • The Housing Act 2004 requires local authorities to
licence privately rented dwellings in three categories:
- Mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) with
three or more storeys, five or more people and two or more
households
- Additional licensing of HMOs excluded from the above
- Selective licensing of other private dwellings where the local
authority considers it will benefit tenants and communities, in
areas of low demand and/or areas with problems of anti-social
behaviour
Example: Compulsory Licensing

8. • Support and training for responsible landlords
• Prosecution of irresponsible landlords
• Reduce anti-social behaviour
• Halt area decline
• Better housing standards for private tenants
• Benefit to wider community and business
• Long term economic benefits
Benefits of Licensing

9. Recommended : Focus on Solutions
•Tenant Engagement
•Tenancy Support Officers help prevent tenancy breakdown
•“Tenant Referencing” scheme
•Enforcement Action
•Anti-Social Behaviour Orders
•Litter Abatement Notices
•Penalty Charge Notices under the Noise Act 1996
•Work with the Community
•Challenge perceptions
•Publicise enforcement action
Recent Area Based Pilot

10. Community Development practices:
-Distribution of welcome pack
-Welcome visit to engage and identify support needs
-Broker practical advice and support as appropriate
-Encourage full participation in community life and culture
Example: Community Engagement