The private sector housing teams deal with advice and the enforcement of housing legislation, within the private housing sector. All properties should be free from hazards likely to result in harm to occupiers or any visitors.
The private sector housing section is managed by Peter Jackson with the team being divided into the three area offices.
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Beverley - managed by Sue Dixon
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Bridlington - managed by Russell Lee
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Goole - managed by Chris Mitchell
Officers within the team ensure landlords comply with the legislative requirements in respect of security of tenure and the conduct of tenancies.
A programme of proactive inspections of houses in multiple occupation (HMO), based on risk, has been implemented, which includes; standards of management, fire precautions, overcrowding and licensing of HMOs.
The Accreditation Scheme is a voluntary scheme initiated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Public Protection Division in partnership with private sector landlords and managing agents. The scheme covers the whole of the private rented sector including both Houses in Multiple Occupation and single dwellings within the East Riding.
The aims of the Accreditation Scheme are:
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To establish high standards for the private rented sector
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To promote awareness of those standards with landlords, tenants and the wider public
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To encourage and assist landlords to meet accreditation standards
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To give recognition to properties and landlords meeting those standards
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To enable potential tenants to choose accredited accommodation
The Private Sector Housing Team deals with the reoccupation of long-term empty properties. We will give advice to interested parties on the various options available dependent upon the type of empty dwelling and proposed use.
Complaints of harassment and illegal eviction of private rented sector, tenants
Dependant upon the type of tenancy agreement, a Landlord, Managing Agent or other representative of the landlord, has to follow the correct legal proceedings in order to evict a tenant. In nearly every case the owner must have a court warrant and only a court appointed official can enforce the eviction. Examples of harassment include:
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Verbal or written threat
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Cutting off of water, gas or electricity
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Interference with belongings or guests
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Entering property without reasonable notice or when the tenant is not present
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Interfering with the tenant's post
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Failure to undertake repairs so that it becomes dangerous or uncomfortable for the tenant to remain in the property
Bond Scheme
The council provides financial assistance towards the cost of paying a bond to help enable those in housing need to access the private sector. This sum is recoverable from the client over an agreed period of time, normally a maximum of 12 months. Private Sector Housing Officers undertake checks on properties to ensure that these properties meet relevant legal standards.
Private Sector Housing also deals with complaints/enquiries/advice regarding private sector housing and takes enforcement action to deal with repairs and dwellings containing hazards likely to result in harm to either tenants and/or visitors.
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