Council licensing landlords is slammed over shocking social housing 

A city council that operates rigorous licensing schemes for private landlords has been slammed for its fire safety record on its own social housing.

The Regulator of Social Housing has issued a so-called ‘C3 grading’ to Liberal Democrat-run Portsmouth council, after an investigation found it failed to meet safety standards. 

The council manages 15,600 homes but “significant improvement” is needed says the regulator.

Although the regulator’s initial probe focused on fire safety, Portsmouth council was asked to provide further information on wider aspects of landlord health and safety.

The probe by the RSH found: 

• Over 1,000 outstanding fire remedial actions;

• Over 85% of its homes had not had an electrical condition test for over five years, a number of which were located in high-risk communal blocks;

• Less than 40% of its homes had been surveyed within the last five years, more than a third had been surveyed more than 10 years ago, and nearly 10% had no record at all. Additionally, stock condition surveys undertaken prior to 2024 did not include an assessment of hazards; and

• A lack of clarity for tenants as to what they can expect in terms of the repairs service. 

A spokesperson for the RSH says: “The health and safety of tenants is non-negotiable.  Providing safe, decent homes for tenants starts with accurate, up-to-date data. Without this, it is impossible to deliver the right services to residents.”

The spokesperson goes on to say that the council “engaged constructively” with RSH investigators – “the first step towards addressing the serious failings identified and making significant improvements.” 

Only late last year Portsmouth council was in the news for introducing a complex new licensing regime for the local private rental sector.  claims “landlords and agents who are compliant with council requirements, manage their properties well and can meet a set of criteria will be eligible for a cheaper, longer licence.”

At the time the council said that as “good private landlords” registered with its dedicated HMO website so “the council will be able to dedicate more time to less well performing landlords or agents to help them improve if they are issued with a shorter licence.“

This article is taken from Landlord Today