Some 6,500 hazards found in city's rented homes

More than 6,500 safety hazards were identified in almost 1,500 privately rented properties as part of a council's property inspection scheme looking for things like mould and faulty electrics.

The scheme, run by Peterborough City Council in partnership with Home Safe, requires landlords in designated areas to apply for a five-year licence period confirming their properties meet safety and living standards.

In the first 12 months of the scheme, which started last year, the council found that out of 1,500 properties, 49% had at least one significant issue posing a significant risk to tenants.

Alison Jones, Labour cabinet member for housing, said the scheme was "making good progress".

It was "already playing a role in our aim of improving private rental housing", she added.

Under the scheme, each licensed property receives two inspections over the course of the five-year period which aims to identify and address issues early.

In the first year, more than 7,000 licence applications were received and more than 6,476 licences were issued by the council following checks of safety certificates and application data.

The authority said the scheme had already led to safety improvements in the homes of thousands of tenants, and landlords had completed required works promptly in line with the compliance process.

If issues have not been addressed, then properties were being referred to its officers for further action, the city council said.

It said landlords who were operating unlicensed properties could face a financial penalty of up to £30,000, an unlimited court fine, and could be ordered to repay up to 12 months' rent to tenants.

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.