Serious faults found in rental properties under new licensing scheme

MORE THAN 100 serious faults in rental accommodation have been found in the first eight months of a new licensing scheme.

Scarborough Borough Council introduced mandatory licensing for all landlords who have rented properties in Castle and Central wards last year.

So far 315 licences have been awarded and 230 dwellings inspected to see if they meet with conditions under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

In these inspections, 143 category-one hazards were identified.

These are the most serious types of hazard and are deemed to present a risk to the health and safety of tenants. They include issues around fire safety, electrical problems, excess cold and damp and risk presented from falling from heights.

A further 595 lower-level issues were also found for matters such as missing documents and general disrepair issues. One of the main failings of the properties inspected was inadequate fire safety provisions and electrical wiring.

Scarborough Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing Coun Bill Chatt said he believed that worse may be to come.

He added: “It is our intention to inspect every property within the designated area within 12 months.

“The next phase of the scheme will be focused on identifying landlords operating within the area without a licence. We predict that these remaining landlords are likely to be providing poorer-quality accommodation. It is important to note that renting out properties within the designated area without a licence is a criminal offence.

“The council will not hesitate to prosecute landlords operating without licences.”