LANDLORDS
Safety
is key
For almost two years Ealing Council has been working with landlords to make
improvements in the standards of privately rented homes in the borough, and
this is set to continue. Philip Brent reports.
N
ew licensing schemes were
introduced in January
2017 which meant most
local landlords renting
private properties had to obtain a new
licence. Under these licences, various
commitments have to be met
– including maintaining high standards
of living conditions and
tackling any anti-social
behaviour.
The council advises
landlords throughout
the process – including
on any property
improvements
required. And most
landlords have been
keen to work with the
council to make sure
they obtain, and retain, their licences.
In fact, since the new schemes were
introduced, more than 6,000 applications
have been received from local landlords;
and more than 5,000 properties have
been visited by council officers.
20
around ealing December 2018
WHEN WARNINGS ARE IGNORED
However, occasionally landlords
ignore the advice and also fail to
respond to subsequent warnings from
the council. There have also been
approximately 6,000 warning letters
sent to landlords who needed to submit
licence applications and more than
200 legal notices have been served
upon landlords demanding
improvements to
their properties.
As a last resort,
the council will
take the matter
to court.
Very recently
the council
prosecuted a
landlord for
failing to obtain
the relevant licences and for
failing to provide gas and
electrical safety certificates,
resulting in fines and costs
totaling more than £11,000.
‘SAFE, GOOD AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING’
Councillor Joanna Camadoo,
the council’s cabinet member for
community safety and inclusion, said:
“The council’s priority is to ensure
safe, good and affordable housing
for our residents, and that includes
in the private rental sector. Indeed,
we keep a close eye on it. As well as
property visits, the council conducts
street surveys; monitors complaints
from tenants and neighbours; and
also cross-references databases and
referrals from other council teams and
external agencies including the police.
“Good communication, and
building relationships, with landlords
often means that any issues that arise
can be resolved quickly, working
together. We much prefer landlords
to work with us than work against
us and do all we can to help. But
the council will come down hard
on persistent offenders who ignore
their responsibilities.”