Published: Friday, 17th June 2022
Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet have approved the updated five-year Private Sector Housing Strategy.
More people are now living in private rented housing than ever before, and this trend is likely to continue. The strategy has been updated because of this growth and because tenant demand for accommodation is high. The strategy contains three key commitments:
1. Support through education and advice
2. Ensure safe and healthy homes (with enforcement as appropriate)
3. Improve energy efficiency
The Council regulates private sector housing standards through its Environmental Health functions. This includes investigating and resolving complaints from tenants, working with landlords and the licensing of multi-occupied properties and park homes.
Landlords, registered providers, and homeowners have access to free advice, and if their property does not meet regulations, they may be subject to enforcement action.
The Council recently undertook a consultation exercise seeking the views of private landlords, letting agents, tenants and other stakeholders. However only two responses were received by external consultees as part of the consultation process.
Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Portfolio Leader for Housing, Heritage & Leisure said, “The Council is taking a more proactive approach to ensure that residents in Cannock Chase have access to a safe, warm and healthy home. The Council is here to support tenants and educate and advise landlords. We are also mindful of the Government’s publication yesterday of the White Paper on a Fairer Private Rented Sector. We will continue to keep this strategy under review to ensure that it meets the needs of our residents and we will make full use of the new measures to protect tenants and tackle the worst landlords.”