Oldham Council’s cabinet is due to review a new scheme to improve the management of privately rented properties.
The Selective Licensing Scheme for private landlords aims to ensure rented properties have a positive impact on an area.
If approved by cabinet on Monday 21 March, it will be rolled out across selected areas in seven of our wards.
It comes as the council is also launching a Private Tenants Charter for renters.
The charter has been designed to set standards for landlords and private rental sector organisations to help all residents know what they can expect from their landlord.
It has eight core values including commitments to making sure homes are safe and of a quality living standard, being transparent and approachable and acknowledging that the private rental sector is an extension of the social housing sector and therefore should offer the same security, standards and experience as living in social housing.
Cllr Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “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. That’s why we originally introduced the Selective Licensing Scheme.
“We are also supporting the Selective Licensing Scheme with the launch of our Private Tenants Charter. It 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.”
A public consultation on the new Selective Licensing Scheme showed that:
- 74% of resident and business respondents thought the council should have more control over the way landlords manage their properties
- 58% of residents and businesses thought that selective licensing would improve their area.
The Selective Licensing Scheme requires landlords in specific areas to apply for a licence with the council and comply with management conditions or face legal sanctions.
If approved, the first phase - which includes selected areas in seven of our wards - will come into operation in June 2022.
A second phase will see the council launch a consultation to see if further selected areas within 12 of our wards is needed.
In 2020 we launched a consultation to see if a selective licensing scheme for private landlords was needed in selected areas within 10 of our wards. Due to Covid we extended the consultation until May 2021.
The formal consultation involved residents, tenants, private landlords, businesses and other stakeholders.
Letters were posted to properties within the proposed and surrounding areas and virtual events were also held to gain the views of people.
Cllr Roberts added: “The original Selective Licensing Scheme helped to drive up standards by imposing management conditions and educating landlords on their management responsibilities.
“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.”
To read the Private Tenants Charter in full visit www.oldham.gov.uk/private_tenants_charter
More information on Selective Licensing will be made available on the council website following the meeting of cabinet.