Agenda item - Private Rented Sector Update

Report of Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing (copy attached).

(1)   That Housing & New Homes Committee members note:

·         Progress with current private rented sector licensing activity previously agreed by Housing & New Homes Committee.

·         Recent legal rulings surrounding licence fees.

·         Progress with the Rent Smart initiative previously endorsed by Housing & New Homes Committee

61.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing that updated the Committee on the progress with current private rented sector licensing activity, recent rulings surrounding licence fees and the progress with the Rent Smart initiative previously endorsed by Housing & New Homes Committee. An update on the Rent Smart initiative prepared by Councillor Hill was attached as appendix 1 to the report. The report was presented by the Head of Housing Strategy, Property and Investment.

61.2    Councillor Cattell stated that she was delighted in how the administration had got to grips with HMOs. She thanked Councillor Hill for her hard work in improving the outcome for private rented tenants.

61.3    Councillor Mears thanked the Head of Housing Strategy, Property and Investment for the report and stressed that HMOs were causing problems in the city, particularly in the area around Arundel Street. A report on HMOs and the extension to the article 4 direction area would be considered at the Tourism, Development & Culture Committee on 17 January. 

61.4    Councillor Gibson found the report helpful and thanked the Head of Housing Strategy, Property and Investment. He also paid tribute to Councillor Hill’s efforts in driving the Rent Smart Initiative forward which was greatly appreciated. 

61.5   RESOLVED:-

(1)            That the following be noted:

·         Progress with current private rented sector licensing activity previously agreed by Housing & New Homes Committee.

·         Recent legal rulings surrounding licence fees.

·         Progress with the Rent Smart initiative previously endorsed by Housing & New Homes Committee.