Issue - decisions

        Resolved:

a)   That the new legislation be noted.

b)   That the maximum £5,000 penalty for all three pieces of legislation be imposed and that the Housing Services Manager be delegated the discretion to impose a lower penalty when there are extenuating circumstances.

c)   That the new policy be adopted:-

(i)           To have a targeted and balanced approach by actively enforcing the new legislation relating to letting agents and management agents.

(ii)          To improve the professionalism of the sector.

(iii)        To provide support to smaller landlords, to help them understand the requirements of the regulations regarding smoke and carbon detectors by providing information/advice and work with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services to provide free detectors to landlords on first come first serve basis.

d)   That the operational process of the scheme, as set out in Appendix A of the report, be agreed.

e)   That an update report be received in 12 months time.

  Reason: Imposing the maximum monetary penalty will send out the right message to agents/landlords who need to improve their management/safety and will provide a sufficient threat to agents/landlords who may be undecided as to whether they should comply.