Rogue Landlords

In 2013 the Government invited bids from Local Authorities for funding from a £3m fund to tackle Rogue Landlords

Background

HMOs Private Sector Housing Stock Survey of 2006

estimated there to be approx 2000 HMOs in Luton estimated that 12.4% of HMOs had at least one

Category 1 hazard and that 30.4% failed the decent homes standard

Background

Empty Homes In 2012 Luton had 1,344 empty homes with nearly

half empty for more than 6 months. A resident survey had shown that 64% of respondents gave as their top priority ‘empty homes’- bringing them back into use

Background

Beds in Sheds Evidence to suggest that a number of properties

have been constructed at the bottom of gardens and are being used as residential accommodation. The Council has relied on information received from Luton residents but is concerned that the problem is more widespread but as yet unquantified.

The Bid

Modest bid seeking £45,700 from the fund (which needs to be match-funded) to set up a multi-agency team to undertake a targetted street survey raising awareness amongst the Town and identifying properties and, taking action in respect of against HMOs, Beds in Sheds and Empty Homes where appropriate

Partners

Fire Authority the Home Office Luton Citizen Advice Bureau Luton Law Centre The Police Additionally - Community Safety and Anti-Social Behaviour

Team; Private Sector Housing HMO team, Housing Benefit Officers, ASBO Officers, Planning Enforcement, Building Control officers and Noise Pollution team.

Result

Unfortunately the bid was not successful although

partners to the bid remained supportive and

elements of the original bid have progressed where

possible without the additional funding as follows:

Progress

Fire Authority – the Fire authority have more than doubled their contribution to £45,000 to help the project continue. Officers have worked closely with the Fire Authority to share data and information

Luton Law Centre – work is underway to produce factsheets giving advice on key issues

Progress

the Home Office – Officers are working with the Home Office to share data and information

Luton Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) – arrangements are in place to allow fast-tracking of members of the public identified by CAB affected by Rogue Landlord issues, through to the relevant Council Departments. CAB have identified funding to help with production of advice leaflets

Detail

Private Sector Housing Officer (37hpw) – 1 year contract Planning Enforcement Officer (20hpw) – 1 year contract Fire Officer (37hpw) – 1 year secondment Publicity – joint leaflet and advertising (jointly funded by

LBC, CAB and Fire Authority)

Questions

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