Have Your Say On Plans To Get Tough With Landlords Who Fail Tenants

People are being asked their views on plans by Harborough District Council to get tough with private landlords who fail tenants.

A new policy would allow fines of up to £5,000 be handed out for failures to comply with various regulations, or not making improvements to properties when ordered to do so.

There were 88 complaints lodged with the council about housing issues in the district last year – nearly three times the number received four years ago.

Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council’s portfolio holder for Housing and Communities, said: “We have a friendly and informative approach first to resolving issues with landlords, but if informal conversations and warnings don’t work then the Housing Enforcement Policy is here to assist us in escalating to fines.

“This is a clear indication to tenants that we are here to support them. We want people to have the best quality housing possible.”

The Council’s proposed Housing Enforcement Policy and Civil Penalties Policy can be viewed at www.harborough.gov.uk/directory_record/551/regulatory_services_enforcement_policies

People can have their say on the consultation at https://www.harborough.gov.uk/consultation/info/133 until 8 March 2023.