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.

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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Harry Ulaeto

How the partnership working model can deliver better outcomes for Selective Licensing schemes

The partnership delivery model tackles common challenges in property licensing, such as improving landlord communication and streamlining compliance.

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Harry Ulaeto

Can licensing schemes offer effective solutions to the challenges highlighted on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day?

Fuel poverty remains a pressing issue, affecting millions of households and placing significant strain on both health and social care systems.

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Home Safe

Peterborough Selective Licensing Scheme finds over 2000 hazards across over 500 inspected properties

Eight months since its launch, Peterborough City Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme has continued to make significant progress, with over 500 property inspections carried out within the first six weeks of the inspection programme starting.


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Home Safe

From broken windows to safer communities: Why property inspections matter

Keeping properties well-maintained is crucial for creating safe, thriving communities, particularly in areas with a high proportion of rental homes.


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Harry Ulaeto

The Wembley 'house of horrors': A chilling reminder of the need for rigorous property inspections to protect tenants

A rogue landlord in Wembley was recently fined nearly £50,000 for renting an overcrowded property with eight tenants living in unsafe conditions, highlighting the urgent need for property inspections under licensing schemes. Dubbed a 'house of horrors,' the property posed severe health and safety risks.

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Harry Ulaeto

Balancing Local Authority budgets: Calculating the cost of discretionary licensing

Local government budgets are stretched, especially when balancing essential services with discretionary licensing schemes. Home Safe’s partnership provides councils with fixed-cost solutions, allowing stable budgeting and confident planning for inspections and compliance, ensuring resources are used effectively to meet legal obligations.

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Home Safe

A recent Upper Tier Tribunal rent repayment case highlights the responsibility of landlords to make themselves aware of local licensing schemes

A recent Upper Tier Tribunal rent repayment case highlights the responsibility of landlords to make themselves aware of local licensing schemes.

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