News Desk

Here you will find a selection of articles covering the latest industry news for the Private Rented Sector as well as some of our own thought provoking articles! Feel free to share any articles that you find interesting.

Wayne Frost

What I’ve seen as a Property Inspector and why it matters

Thousands of inspections expose severe, recurring safety hazards in rented homes. This firsthand account highlights the critical role of proactive inspections in enforcing standards and safeguarding tenants.

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Harry Ulaeto

Billionaire landlord hit with £263,000 worth of Rent Repayment Orders

A group of tenants in East London has won a historic £263,000 Rent Repayment Order (RRO) against a billionaire landlord who was operating two buildings as unlicensed HMOs, marking the UK’s largest-ever RRO.

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Home Safe

What the supported housing consultation could mean for local authorities

As the government consults on the future regulation of supported housing, we take a closer look at what the proposals could mean for local authorities and those who live in supported housing.

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Colin Noble

The roof hasn’t been fixed, and now the storm is coming

Local government reorganisation alone won’t fix funding shortfalls. Councils need stable, long-term funding to deliver essential services and respond to local needs as Colin Noble, Partnership Consultant and former Leader and Finance Cabinet Member for Suffolk County Council explains.

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Harry Ulaeto

How Home Safe has transformed the licence application process to drive efficiency for local authorities

The administration of property licensing presents significant challenges for local authorities. Processing high application volumes, managing incomplete submissions, and ensuring compliance demand substantial resources, often diverting attention from strategic enforcement. Find out how Home Safe has redefined the licensing process to optimise resource allocation.

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Harry Ulaeto

Prevention, protection, and accountability - A clear case for property inspections in the PRS

With reports that over 26,000 babies and toddlers were hospitalised last year due to lung conditions likely caused by damp and mould, Harry Ulaeto explores how property inspections help local authorities identify hazards, enforce standards and protect tenants' health.

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Harry Ulaeto

Using data visibility to strengthen local authority governance and reporting of licensing schemes

Effective and efficient licensing enforcement requires data-driven management, regular inspections, and tracking of property standards. Discover how Home Safe helps local authorities streamline this process, ensuring safer and higher-quality housing for tenants.

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Home Safe

The importance of inspections in licensing schemes - Insights from a local authority’s proactive approach to raising housing standards

Property inspections are essential for gaining an accurate reflection of PRS housing conditions within a licensing area, as demonstrated by Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s partnership with Home Safe to deliver their comprehensive inspection programme.

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Harry Ulaeto

Government abolishes prior approval requirement for selective licensing schemes larger than 20%

From 23 December 2024, local authorities can implement selective licensing schemes over 20% without requiring prior approval from the Secretary of State.

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Harry Ulaeto

How to keep discretionary licensing schemes within budget

With upcoming reforms of local government funding, councils face new challenges. This article explores the complexities of budgeting, licensing fees, and the potential benefits of using a delivery partner to deliver a scheme.

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