Apart from the administration of housing benefit, local authorities have a big role to play in the private rented sector. Whilst each authority may be set up differently and have different structures, local authorities normally intervene in the following areas:

Property conditions

The local authority will normally have an Environmental Health or Housing team whose role is to enforce repairing obligations in the area. They will normally also be responsible for the management and registration of multi-occupied housing. Your tenant may make a complaint to them if you fail to do repairs. The local authority could serve notices on you to carry out repairs and if you fail to comply with the notice, you could be prosecuted. They could also carry out the work and send you the bill! The Environmental Health Team would also provide information on what grants or loans are available to bring properties up to standard or to bring empty properties back into use. They should also provide advice on insulation and heating grants.

Prevention of Homelessness

All local authorities have a duty to provide advice and information to households in their area who may be homeless. Local authorities will normally have a housing advice and homelessness service where officers will be giving advice to your tenant with the purpose of either stopping them from becoming homeless or at least delaying their homelessness. They may also enforce the law in the private sector in terms of illegal eviction and harassment.

If you give your tenant notice to leave, their first reaction may be to approach the local authority for advice or help with housing. The authority has certain duties under the homelessness legislation. One of these is to make enquiries about why the person is becoming homeless. Therefore, do not be surprised if you receive a letter from the local authority asking why you want the tenant to leave. Do not also be surprised if your tenant tells you that the Council said you had to get a court order to evict them. Contact us if you need advice.

Bond/Deposit Schemes

Many local authorities now run bond or deposit schemes where they agree to underwrite the deposit for a tenant to take on a property. This type of scheme is exempt from the new rules on safeguarding deposits.

Temporary accommodation

Many local authorities are now looking to lease properties from private landlords for homeless families. Leasing schemes can vary but they often give guarantees on rent levels and the council or a housing association will manage the property on your behalf. The rent you receive will sometimes be below current market levels because the organisation will want a management fee. However, if you have an unmortgaged property or a property with a small mortgage, such schemes may prove attractive.

Planning

If you are looking to change the use of your property, for example, to convert a house into multiple-occupation, you will need to consult with the local planning department on what processes you need to go through. Whatever your intentions with regard to a property, you should seek advice from the local authority before taking any action.

Landlord Forums

Many local authorities now have regular landlord forums where landlords are invited to meetings to discuss local and national issues relating to the private rented sector. If you are interested in attending such meetings, contact your local authority.