|
Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council
Proposals, which aim to introduce a second scheme of Selective Licensing in Nottingham, after the current scheme ends, has been given the go-ahead by Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board to submit to Government for approval.
The proposals would require private landlords who rent out properties in certain parts of the city to obtain a licence, demonstrating that they and their properties meet required standards.
A new scheme would enable the council to continue the important work it has already been carrying out as part of the current scheme; to make sure that privately rented homes are safer, suitable for tenants to live in and that they are managed effectively. It will give the council resource and powers to safeguard tenants and hold non-compliant landlords to account.
The new scheme would cover a slightly smaller area in the city than the current one does, but would include some areas, such as parts of Broxtowe and The Park not covered by the current licensing scheme.
The council will now apply to the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for final approval and confirmation of the scheme. If approved the new scheme would not start until at least August 2023.
A second scheme would help the council to not only support landlords in making sure that their properties meet certain standards, but also help to improve and tackle key issues, as well as supporting the overall health and wellbeing of tenants due to improved housing conditions.
As with the first five-year scheme, which was introduced in the city in 2018, the council would not be allowed to make any surplus revenue from the scheme and all revenue from the licence fees would only be used to cover the cost of administering and running the new scheme.
As Landlords, you have a legal responsibility to keep tenants safe, including fire safety.
The main pieces of legislation that cover fire safety is the Housing Act 2004, which is enforced by the Local Authority and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is enforced by the Fire and Rescue Service.
It is very important that a fire risk assessment has been completed on any property you rent out and reviewed regularly. This assesses the risk of fire to your tenants and others who are associated with your premises. It can help you to identify any areas with deficiencies and a timescale with which to put them right.
The Nottingham Fire and Rescue website contains lots of useful information on fire safety for landlords and property managers including:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Escape routes
- Fire separation
- Gas safety
 Anyone can now check if a rented property in Nottingham City is in a licensable area, has a pending licence, is already licensed or neither:
To get all the latest information, tips, advice and updates from the Safer Housing team, follow us on social media.
|
|
