1st
Apr 2022
A council is about to introduce a Private Tenants Charter stating it will set new requirements to improve standards for landlords and PRS organisations as it will inform tenants on how they should be treated by landlords.
Oldham council’s charter contains eight core values which include its pledge to ensure homes have a quality living standard and are safe and landlords are accessible and transparent. The council does realise that the private rental sector is in fact (in their own eyes)an extension of the social housing sector.
The charter states that PRS landlords “should offer the same security, standards and experience as living in social housing.”
The housing spokesperson on the council, Councillor Hannah Roberts , says: “The vast majority of our private landlords rent out decent properties and look after their tenants. Unfortunately, there is still a small number who fail to provide decent housing.”
At the same time of the Charter’s launch the authority is also introducing a new Selective licensing scheme.
Roberts says: “[The charter] has been signed by a number of organisations and agencies who are committed supporting private tenants and landlords to ensure they have a positive renting experience in Oldham.
“We are living in difficult times, and we want tenants, especially those renting privately, to know exactly what their rights are so we can help to protect them.
“We would call on more landlords and advice and support agencies to sign up and show they put tenants first and people before profits.”
The authority says the new Selective scheme’s public consultation found that 74 per cent of business and residents respondents believe the council must take more control over landlords’ management of their properties, and 58 per cent said that the new licensing scheme would make their area better.
However the council has so far failed to provide how many respondents took part in the consultation.
Roberts summarises: ”Oldham council is committed to making sure residents across Oldham live in safe homes that are managed properly.
“The Selective Licensing Scheme and Private Tenants Charter will give us and our residents more power to ensure landlords are acting responsibly. Those who fail to do so will face action from the council.”
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