Improving Private Rented Housing Standards

Sefton Council is supporting new legislation aimed at improving standards in the private rented housing sector.

Under new regulations, it is now a legal requirement for all letting agents and property managers to join one of 3 approved Government redress schemes.

This means that tenants, prospective tenants, landlords dealing with lettings agents in the private rented sector; as well as leaseholders and freeholders dealing with property managers in the residential sector, can complain to an independent person about the service received.

It will make it easier for tenants and landlords to complain about bad service and prevent disputes escalating.

If any business registered in Sefton carries out this type of work, the new Order will apply with Sefton’s Housing Standards Team enforcing the legislation.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member Communities and Housing, said:

“Ultimately, the aim of the scheme is to eliminate poor practices by letting agents and improve the industry standard.

“If you are a Letting Agent or Property Manager and do not join a government authorised consumer redress scheme you can be subject to a £5,000 fine. It is now a legal requirement to join such a scheme.”

Letting agents and property managers now have until September 1 to register with one of the approved schemes before Sefton Council could consider legal action.

To find out more about the scheme please contact Sefton’s Private Sector Housing Standards Team on 0151 934 4446.

Further details on the new legislation can be found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2014/9780111116821/contents

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