Welcome to the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission's Private Rented Sector Survey.
The Commission is seeking the views of local landlords and residents on whether or not more needs to be done to improve management of privately rented properties in the borough. The questions contained here are aimed at trying to gain this information and we would like to thank you for taking part.
The Council by law conducts a licensing scheme of certain types of larger properties in Hackney. This involves carrying out checks of landlords to ensure that they are 'fit and proper', taking into account any previous convictions or histories of poor property management. The Council also checks whether the property being let is suitable for the number of people living there, and whether the property meets particular health and safety standards. Landlords are charged a fee when a license is issued.
The Council is currently looking into whether there are any grounds for extending licensing to other properties in the borough. This could mean that more or all landlords renting out properties in Hackney would need to apply for a license, and a fee would be payable.
Scrutiny Members are exploring initial views as to whether people would support or not support the idea of more licensing in the private rented sector, if this was an option that was open to the Council.
