Wandsworth Council’s Housing Committee in south London has put forward a proposal to conduct an investigation into the feasibility of introducing discretionary landlord licensing in an attempt to improve standards in the Private Renter Sector and crack down on rogue landlords.
In the private rented sector (PRS), standards of delivery can vary widely—while most landlords offer a responsible service, there is a minority that provide substandard or overcrowded accommodation, which has a spillover effect to the wider community. It can lead to anti-social behavior, noise nuisance, and other associated problems in communities.
The Labour Party is seeking an advantage in the policy area of housing. The party is promising to build 1,000 social-rent council homes on council-owned land and now has pledged to “drive out rogue landlords and drive up standards with landlord licensing.”
The council says that the licensing scheme helps to ensure that private rented properties in the borough are in good condition and managed properly. It also helps to improve housing standards, tackle anti-social behaviour and keep residents safe.
The report to be presented to Council—and supporting the creation of a review—states that some of the potential benefits of such an initiative could include improvements in the quality and condition of private rental properties, prevention of absentee or unfit landlords, increased responsibility required of landlords in managing tenant behaviour, and additional support for tenants.
According to Councilor Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, the council is committed to ensuring that all residents live in safe, secure and well-managed homes. The council recommends this review of discretionary licenses in the Private Rented Sector to increase support for tenants.
If you’re a landlord in south London, we can help you manage your properties. Please feel free to call us so that we can be of further assistance on 0208 355 3405. You can also email us at info@bluestoneproperties.co.uk
