Plans to tackle low quality private rentals

A council has set out plans to improve standards in the private rental sector to ensure the health and safety of tenants.

Barnsley Council said cold homes, overcrowding and poor maintenance were all factors putting renters at risk.

A council survey in 2020 had found an estimated 19% of private rented housing in the town were not up to standard.

The council said measures being taken to improve standards included prioritising enforcement action against landlords who fail to maintain properties or break the law through overcrowding or improper evictions.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council's focus will be on regulating landlords and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

There is an estimated 1,527 HMOs in Barnsley, and the council plans to ensure these properties comply with health and safety regulations.

Large HMOs with five or more tenants are required to be licensed, and the council said it would investigate unlicensed properties to ensure they meet the necessary standards.

The council is also introducing a mediation service to resolve disputes early and a support service to help tenants maintain stable housing, it will also work with landlords to improve energy efficiency.

Empty council properties will be brought back into use and there will be a review of areas where housing conditions are poor or landlords fail to meet legal requirements.

Generation Rent, which campaigns of behalf of tenants, said safe and secure homes were the "foundation of people's lives".

The organisation's Nye Jones said: "Far too many renters live in poor conditions that impact their physical and mental health, whilst avoiding making complaints to landlords for fear of eviction or rent hikes."

He said the government was introducing new legislation to improve standards in the private rental market.

"For renters to feel the benefit though, local councils must still use their enforcement powers, including selective licensing schemes, to make sure landlords meet those standards and we are protected in our homes."

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