There are over 20,000 rented properties in the borough, which range from houses and flats to guesthouses, caravans and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). HMOs are houses that have been converted into flats or are occupied as bedsits, lodging houses or hostels.
By inspecting rented properties, we aim to ensure that the legal requirements for rented housing are met. If appropriate, we can take legal action to enforce housing legislation.
We also provide an information and advice service to tenants, landlords, managing agents and other groups to make the legal requirements related to rented housing as clear as possible.
We can help with housing related issues such as:
- Responding to complaints of disrepair in rented accommodation
- Licensing caravan and mobile home sites
- Endeavouring to bring empty properties back into use
- Ensuring adequate provision of fire precautions in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
- Administering the national HMO Licensing Scheme
- Overcrowding.