Media Releases

Private Rented Homes in Reading - Review

09/03/2010

Press Release

An update on the progress of work being done by the Council to improve homes in Reading's private rented sector, including housing in multiple occupation, is to be discussed.

This Thursday, (March 11th), the Council's housing, health and community care scrutiny panel will hear from officers about how the Council has been working with private landlords and tenants over the last year.

The panel will also receive an update regarding proposals made by the Government last month, which focus on the private rented sector and homes occupied and rented to three or more people (HMO's).

At the beginning of last year, the housing, health and community care scrutiny panel and the environment scrutiny panel asked for review of private rented sector homes in Reading as this area is integral to the Council's approach to meet housing need.

As a result of this scrutiny, a series of recommendations for activity towards the private rented sector were presented to, and predominantly accepted by, Cabinet.

At Thursday's meeting, officers will feedback in respect to delivery against the recommendations, the recent Council approval of draft planning policy relating to the conversion of residential dwellings, how additional resources have been dedicated to reviewing the landlord accreditation scheme and how scrutiny recommendations have informed the development of the Council's Housing Strategy.

Daisy Benson, chair of housing, health and community care scrutiny panel, said: "Around 25% of Reading's population lives in private rented housing so it's vital the Council continues to work closely with landlords to raise standards across the sector – including HMOs and student housing.

"Councillors made a number of recommendations last year as part of an in-depth scrutiny review into the sector and we will be reviewing progress."

ENDS

Sarah Bishton
Tel: 0118 9399957