Leeds Private Rented Sector Housing Bulletin - 4th June 2021
LCC Guidance on Crowding & Space
Today we are pleased to announce the publication of our new guidance document on the assessment of the crowding and space hazard which brings together existing guidance in the sector and adjudicated examples.
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/housing/information-for-landlords
Assocation of Residential Letting Agents - Private Rented Sector Report April 2021
Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020
Requires landlords to have the fixed electrical installation within rented properties tested and inspected at least every five years
HMO re-licensing - be ahead of the game and cut your form filling....
We're coming up to the fourth phase of mandatory HMO licensing. You can apply and pay on-line on our reduced (five page) renewal application form if there haven't been any changes at your property, the licence holder is the same, AND your current HMO licence has not expired.
If you allow your licence to expire or there have been changes you will need to submit floor plans with a full application
Check on our HMO register to see when your licence expires. Don't delay - you could be operating without a licence!
Better Homes Yorkshire - Solar Panels & Cavity Wall Insulation.
Better Homes Leeds is open to homeowners, private tenants and landlords; Low-income homeowners in Leeds can now apply for free solar panels and insulation. Private tenants living in qualifying properties can also apply for the scheme if they have an income of less than £30,000 per year and have the permission of their landlord.
NRLA Webinar - 1900hrs 8th June 2021
Register for Yorkshire & Humberside NRLA Regional Webinar with Part II of a Crime Special from West Yorkshire Police. Register here:
Debt Respite Scheme(Breathing Space)
Coming into force from May 4 2021, the scheme places obligations on any creditor, including landlords. In particular, landlords who are seeking possession because of rent arrears will need to be aware of these restrictions as it can cause issues for Section 8 proceedings.
Leeds Rental Standard
Why to join - fee discounts, access to recycling sites, light touch regulation, parking permits, marketing advantage.... plus more....
Selective Licensing in Harehills & Beeston
On the 6th January 2020, Selective Licensing came into force. All landlords letting their properties should have made an application for a licence. We have started issuing civil penalties and securing evidence in relation to approaching 150 cases for failure to licence. If you are a landlord and you haven't applied, you risk potential prosecution with an unlimited fine or a civil penalty of up to £30,000.
You can check whether your property falls within the Selective Licensing boundaries website. You can also see if a property has a live licence
As well as the online application form you can find guidance notes, frequently asked questions and other supporting information to complete the application.
You can phone or email us: 0113 535 1369 email selective.licensing@leeds.gov.uk
Another Crowding & Space Case Study
In 2019, our officers inspected a pair of semi-detached properties and found they had been converted into a total of twenty two self-contained flats! The flats were between 12.56m² and 24.35m², all well below the Nationally Described Space Standard (NDSS) of 37m² for a one person dwelling. Occupiers were living, sleeping, cooking and eating in rooms originally designed to serve just one of those functions.
Not only were serious Crowding and Space hazards identified in each flat, but also many other hazards caused by a lack of space, including damp & mould, fire safety, food safety, personal hygiene and operability of amenities. Our officers judged these flats were unsafe for people to live in and served Prohibition Orders on all twenty two of them.
In order to remedy the situation, the owner sought planning permission for a reduced number of flats. The twenty two flats have now been combined and converted into eight, much larger flats. Future occupiers will now be able to live in hazard free accommodation in which they can settle down and establish a home.
Properties which have been converted into self-contained flats may seem like a good investment opportunity, however these properties have often been converted illegally resulting in poor quality, hazardous accommodation.
Be wary of converted properties which seem like a great investment - they may cost you more than you bargained for!
Space Standards and Effect on Mental Health
Nearly a third (31%) of adults in Britain – 15.9m people – have had mental or physical health problems because of lack of space in their home during lockdown, according to a new YouGov survey.
Eviction Notice Periods & Bailiff-Enforced Evictions
From June 1st, eviction notice periods have been reduced from six months to four months as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Notice periods for the most serious cases that present the most strain on landlords will remain lower.
The ban on bailiff-enforced evictions ended on 31st May. However, bailiffs have been asked not to carry out an eviction if anyone living at the property has Covid-19 symptoms or is self-isolating. Link
And finally...
Contact the Private Rented Sector Housing Teams:
Area Renewal/Empty Homes and Loans: 0113 3784702.
HMO Licensing: 0113 3784698.
HMO Non-licensable properties: 0113 3782256
Landlord Letting Scheme: 0113 3784701.
Leeds Neighbourhood Approach (proactive work in Holbeck): 0113 3785951.
Reactive Complaints Service: 0113 3784699.
Selective Licensing: 0113 5351369.
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