Issue - meetings

To introduce a new enforcement policy specifically for the private sector housing team to incorporate the recent changes to legislation affecting the private rented sector and to propose a charging structure for financial penalties imposed as a result of formal action to improve housing standards.

Recommendation

That the new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy is adopted by the Council. 

The Executive RESOLVED to adopt the new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy.

Reason: to ensure the Council has the necessary tools to improve conditions for tenants in the private rented sector.

[Services O&S Committee]

Cllr MacLeod introduce the revised enforcement policy for private sector housing, which replaced the policy adopted in 2007. The revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy incorporated new legislative powers to improve conditions in the private rented sector and drive out ‘rogue landlords’, including a charging structure to determine the level of financial penalty to be applied under the Housing Act 2004; a  Statement of Principles for the penalty under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations 2015; and the penalty levels under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard.

The Executive RESOLVED to adopt the new Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy.

Reason: to ensure the Council has the necessary tools to improve conditions for tenants in the private rented sector.