Our plan to improve city's privately rented homes

Councillors agreed unanimously last November to back the scheme after 81 per cent of responses to the public consultation were in favour.

It will start from February. I brought forward these proposals because of inconsistent standards. We have some really great rented homes, but too many are below a good standard.

The council doesn’t hold much information on private rented properties, and it’s down to renters to contact the council to ask for help. Many don’t want to do this as they feel vulnerable, and I often find out about appalling property conditions after the person has moved out, which makes it very difficult to act.

The shortage of affordable homes means that people are putting up with poor conditions because they can’t afford to move, and I’ve spoken to people in the “black market” with no written tenancy agreement and very little protection.

Budget cuts over several years have hit many council services hard including the council’s private sector housing service, making it almost impossible for the council to be proactive about improving property conditions in private rented homes.

Under licensing, landlords or their agents will need to apply to the council for a licence and adhere to the conditions, which include gas and fire safety, repairs, no overcrowding and a written tenancy agreement.

All homes will be subject to inspection by a council officer. Responsibility for maintaining standards will be between the landlord and the council, and tenants should be able to expect basic minimum standards without having to take action themselves.

The licensing scheme is paid for by a fee per property charged to landlords, which starts at £460 for a five-year period. This income can only be used to manage the scheme.

At least 31 per cent of the city’s housing is now privately rented, so it’s right that the council is now able to step up and manage it proactively. It will be a big step forward in ensuring better living standards for residents.

Cllr Tracey Hill is Labour's lead member for private rental housing on Brighton and Hove City Council.