Decision - Private Sector Housing Update

An update on the Private Rented Sector, previously reported to Housing Committee on 18th September 2022

RESOLVED: That Housing Committee: 2.1 Agree that development of an in-house Ethical Lettings Agency will not be pursued at this time, though Committee may consider it in the future. 2.2 Note the progress on the Selective Licensing Feasibility Study and the proposal to arrange a Housing Committee Member Workshop (early February 2023) on options to progress. 2.3 Note that evidence suggests a new Additional HMO Licensing Scheme is potentially viable, and if so that required consultation on this should be linked to any consultation agreed to progress selective licensing. 2.4 Agree a review of the current Private Sector Enforcement Policy is undertaken and that in the interim where appropriate proactive use of improvement notices is exercised against landlords and letting agents as referred to in 4.3.4. This review will, among other things, reflect the motion passed at Full Council in December 2022, requesting officers to bring a report to Housing Committee: a) Reviewing the Council's private sector housing enforcement policy to reduce tenants' risk of 'revenge evictions' by serving 'improvement notices' and 'emergency remedial action notices' at the soonest opportunity b) Outlining plans to display on the council website steps private renters can take regarding repairs requests and revenge eviction notices 2.5 Note the options and restrictions relating to a 'Rogue Landlord database'. To approve further investigation of the establishment a 'Rogue Landlord database' in Brighton & Hove and report back to Housing Committee in March 2023 and will continue to work towards a zero-tolerance approach to rogue landlords as agreed by this committee. 2.6 Note activity during 2022/23 (to 30 November 2022) in relation to private sector housing enforcement.

The Housing Committee considered updates on private sector housing, including ethical lettings, selective and additional HMO licensing, enforcement policy and a rogue landlord database. It was recommended that the council not pursue an in-house Ethical Lettings Agency at this time, while progressing further investigations, reviews and member discussion on other measures.