Issue - meetings

This report informs Cabinet of the results from the consultation regarding the private rented sector in relation to the review of the YorProperty Voluntary Landlord Accreditation Scheme.

Resolved: That Cabinet agree to approve option (ii) and continue with the current service with the accreditation scheme and other initiatives to support a healthy private rented sector and to carry out further detailed consultation focusing on those groups which didn’t respond and commission the Building Research Establishment to provide an updated picture of the condition of the stock to provide a more complete picture of the private rented sector for members to make a judgement.

Reason: To maximise the contribution made by the private rented sector in York towards meeting current and future need through tailored, targeted and proportionate intervention and support, designed to secure safe, well managed and decent accommodation.

Cabinet considered a report which informed them of the results of consultation regarding the private rented sector in relation to the review of the YorProperty Voluntary Landlord Accreditation Scheme.

It was noted that consultation, undertaken between 15 October and 21 November had resulted in 450 responses, the majority of which were unfortunately incomplete. It was reported that, whilst the consultation had provided good and statistically valid information from landlords, letting agents and tenants, the response from the wider community and the shared student sector had provided an incomplete picture.

With this in mind Members considered the following options:

Option (i) – Continue with the current service with the accreditation scheme and other initiatives to support a healthy private rented sector;

Option (ii) – Continue with Option (i) above and to carry out further detailed consultation focusing on those groups which didn’t respond and commission the Building Research Establishment to provide an updated picture of the condition of the stock to provide a more complete picture of the private rented sector for members to make a judgement.

Members were informed of the work undertaken by Councillors Barnes and Fitzpatrick in the private rented sector to support the review.

Resolved: That Cabinet agree to approve option (ii) and continue with the current service with the accreditation scheme and other initiatives to support a healthy private rented sector and to carry out further detailed consultation focusing on those groups which didn’t respond and commission the Building Research Establishment to provide an updated picture of the condition of the stock to provide a more complete picture of the private rented sector for members to make a judgement.  ^1.

Reason: To maximise the contribution made by the private rented sector in York towards meeting current and future need through tailored, targeted and proportionate intervention and support, designed to secure safe, well managed and decent accommodation.