East Lindsey District Council has welcomed an additional power that will help it take tougher action against landlords who fail to fix dangerous housing problems.
Last month, the Government gave councils in England the ability to issue fines of up to £7,000 to private landlords who fail to fix serious safety hazards in their properties, including significant damp and mould, fire risks and structural defects.
The fine applies to 21 of the most serious housing hazards that put tenants' health and safety at risk.
The new penalty comes alongside changes to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which local authorities use to assess health and safety risks in rented homes. The updated system makes it easier to identify serious hazards and take action.
Cllr William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing at East Lindsey District Council, said: “This enhanced power available will support the Council in ensuring that the minority of landlords who do not meet the regulations set out by law are held to account as part of the enforcement action available.
"Our Housing Standards team are dedicated to work closely with tenants, landlords and letting agents resolve concerns and improve housing conditions. While we will continue to support landlords in understanding and meeting their responsibilities, this addition power strengthens the action available to the Council when the most serious issues are left unresolved.
"We hope this new measure will help drive up standards across the private rented sector even more and give tenants greater confidence that unsafe housing conditions will be addressed."
For more information about Housing Standards, visit: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/Housing-Standards