The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has reached out to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner with a request to make it easier for local councils to implement licensing systems for landlords. This appeal comes as part of a broader effort to enhance oversight within the private rented sector. The CIEH believes that streamlined licensing processes could significantly improve the quality of housing available to tenants and provide local authorities with the necessary tools to enforce standards effectively.
According to the CIEH, licensing serves as an essential mechanism for local authorities to inspect privately rented properties. It enables them to impose enforceable conditions that can help address various housing issues proactively. This approach allows councils to identify and resolve problems before they escalate, reducing the reliance on tenants to lodge complaints. By implementing a robust licensing framework, the CIEH argues that councils can better safeguard the interests of renters and ensure safer living conditions.
With the King’s Speech expected to introduce new legislation affecting the private rented sector, the CIEH is urging Rayner to take this opportunity to address the challenges surrounding landlord licensing. They see this as a crucial moment to enhance the regulatory landscape for the benefit of both tenants and local authorities. By advocating for these changes, the CIEH aims to promote a more secure and accountable renting environment across the UK.
President Mark Elliott highlights that there are multiple ways the Government can support local authorities in implementing licensing schemes to enhance housing standards. He emphasizes the importance of these schemes in addressing ongoing issues in the private rented sector.
“First and foremost, the Government should enable local councils with selective licensing schemes to incorporate specific licence conditions aimed at improving housing conditions. At present, there is a notable disconnect in the legislation. While local authorities can establish selective licensing to combat poor housing conditions, they are unable to enforce directly related requirements within the licence itself. This limitation hampers their ability to ensure consistent housing quality across their areas.”
Elliott’s remarks underline the need for legislative changes that empower local authorities to take a more proactive approach in safeguarding tenant welfare and improving overall housing standards. By making these adjustments, the Government can help foster better living conditions for renters while supporting the councils’ efforts to create a more equitable housing market.
Mark Elliott, President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), has highlighted several ways the Government could facilitate local authorities in implementing licensing schemes aimed at improving housing standards. He emphasises the importance of these schemes in maintaining quality within the private rental sector and ensuring that residents have safe living conditions. By streamlining the licensing process, local councils would be better equipped to address housing issues effectively.
One key recommendation from Elliott is for the Government to empower local authorities running selective licensing schemes to impose specific licence conditions that directly improve housing standards. Currently, there exists a notable disconnect in the legislation: while local councils can establish these schemes to tackle poor housing conditions, they lack the authority to enforce conditions related to housing quality as part of the licensing agreements. This gap undermines the potential impact of the schemes on housing standards.
Elliott also suggests that the Government should extend the maximum duration of discretionary licensing schemes from five years to ten years. These schemes, which encompass selective licensing and additional licensing for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) with fewer than five occupants, can be both costly and time-intensive for local authorities to set up. Allowing longer licensing periods would enable councils to offer stable, long-term positions for staff and ensure that adequate training can be provided for new personnel involved in these schemes.
Furthermore, the CIEH proposes that the Secretary of State’s power to veto selective licensing schemes that cover more than 20% of a local authority area should be removed. This veto creates uncertainty for councils attempting to introduce selective licensing, as the process can be hindered by political factors beyond their control. By eliminating this restriction, local authorities would have greater autonomy to implement necessary measures without fear of political intervention.
In summary, the CIEH urges the Government to consider these recommendations during discussions on future housing legislation. By enabling local authorities to manage licensing more effectively, it is hoped that the overall quality of privately rented housing will improve, leading to better living conditions for tenants across the country. Addressing these issues will not only benefit renters but also help foster healthier communities.
“Fourthly, the Government needs to ensure that national landlord registration supports local authorities in using licensing schemes effectively. We hope that Angela Rayner and her team will collaborate with us to address these concerns.”