Initiative isalready makinga difference
More than 130 people in the private rented sector have accessed support through a Renfrewshire Council advocacy initiative.
The project, backed by £200,000 in funding, sees officers provide help and representation for tenants and carry out landlord enforcement activities.
As part of the scheme, three roles were created within homeless services, housing support and environmental health, with close links established across the three departments as they offered assistance to those in need.
A report discussed at Tuesday’s communities and housing policy board said the work had led to “a number of success stories” – with issues relating to tenancy conditions, preventing homelessness, managing finances and the physical condition of properties tackled.
An interim review has found a total of 131 people have been in touch to access help and support via the service so far.
Colin Hunter, public health manager in the council’s environmental health service, told elected members: “The initiative has been very well received, in particular by tenants, but landlords and their agents have also recognised that and welcomed the work that’s been undertaken to support tenants in this.”
The project has pointed service users towards other agencies when considered appropriate, such as the community mental health team, Advice Works, Women’s Aid and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau.
SNP councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, who represents Renfrew North and Braehead, said: “There won’t be a councillor in the chambers that doesn’t deal with these issues.
“I think they are increasing now that we’re finding private landlords potentially wanting to give up their properties.”
CounciIlor Hughes added: “I really think we’re doing work to keep people in their homes here.”
A number of unregistered landlords were identified by the team and have since registered – making sure they are subject to the “fit and proper” test.
Meanwhile, two private landlords have been reported to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) over “disrepair matters”.