Council says some agent-run properties create “anti-social behaviour"

The Labour-run Haringey council in London says some housing conditions in the private rental sector lead to anti-social behaviour.

Letting Agent Today has asked the authority to give details of how this is the case.

The council makes the claim in a consultation process about private rental sector licensing, in which it says: “Not all privately rented property is of a good condition or managed effectively by landlords and agents, and this has resulted in various housing issues. 

“We are aware of some housing conditions that do not meet our required standards and have led to an increase in anti-social behaviour, but the Haringey community are now being given the chance to address these issues and improve the standards across the borough.”

So far, LAT has not heard back from the council.

The consultation period - which ends on August 12 - relates to properties that are privately rented to single households or two unrelated individuals in certain parts of the borough. 

A licence costing up to £600 and lasting five years will be charged.

A council spokesman says: “We are an inclusive council and continually strive to put community first and work for the best possible outcomes and this is why we a proposing change that will make a difference to people’s everyday lives.”

He then claims: “Haringey has always worked closely in partnership with landlords and this proposed licensing scheme will provide a much-needed framework to enable us to ensure our high standards of accommodation requirements are applied and met across the privately rented sector in the borough.”

There are online workshops on July 5 and July 16.

However, the council’s scheme os so large it will require consent from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

You can see details of the consultation and the anti-social behaviour claim, here.