Review finds serious hazards in rental homes
BBCAn investigation into a city's privately rented homes has concluded there are high rates of people living in accommodation with "serious hazards".
Norwich City Council officials estimated there were 2,286 homes with significant safety risks, representing 11% of the city's 20,300 rental properties.
Problems are particularly prevalent in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), they say, with a fifth of these properties having one or more serious hazards.
People living in poor housing have complained to the council more than 670 times since 2020, prompting officers to suggest bringing in tougher rules for landlords.
The council commissioned software company Metastreet to conduct an in-depth assessment of the sector and HMOs.
Its researchers said they analysed data from various sources, including council tax, property licensing, council intervention records, anti-social behaviour complaints and energy performance.
Safety risks can include issues like overcrowding, electrical hazards and damp and mould.
Areas that have high concentrations of HMOs - Bowthorpe, Nelson and University wards - were found to have above average levels of anti-social behaviour.
In a report to councillors, housing officials said: "A substantial proportion of HMOs and other privately rented homes are not being managed to a standard that protects either their occupants or the wider community."
Martin Barber/BBCThe council could consider introducing a licensing scheme in parts of the city to improve housing standards, as a result of the report.
This would require landlords to comply with stricter conditions and also face regular inspections of their properties, while also paying a fee.
A similar scheme has already been introduced in Great Yarmouth, where 18% of private rented properties are believed to have one or more serious hazards.
Other cities and towns in England, including Bristol and Brighton, have implemented the rules.
However, councils have faced legal challenges to licensing schemes, which have ended up in the High Court. Recent challenges to the schemes at Luton and Thurrock (Essex) were unsuccessful.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council also faced opposition to the changes from the Eastern Association of Landlords, which said it risked alienating landlords.
Councillors will discuss the report at a scrutiny meeting on Thursday.
Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.
Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
