Articles by Samantha Watkin
Birmingham City Council – an enforcement deep dive
As part of our ongoing work into the enforcement of housing standards and the value of local licensing schemes, we are launching a regular series investigating individual local authorities and how they regulate the private rented sector. This week we look at at Birmingham City Council.
Local authorities and enforcement: an inconsistent, uneven patchwork
This report is the latest stage of the NRLA's investigation into the enforcement of housing standards in the PRS. The report - based on Freedom of Information requests - ranks the service levels landlords can expect from over 275 English local authorities. The report finds landlords face variable levels of service. The service offered by many local authorities is letting down the PRS.
Council going back to the drawing board over unlawful licensing consultation
Greenwich Council is re-launching its consultation on additional licensing plans following complaints from the NRLA. Policy officer Samantha Watkin explains more.
Landlords asked for feedback on pet damage in new survey
Landlords and letting agents are being asked to provide feedback on the true cost of damages on rental accommodation by pets.
NRLA responds to Birmingham's plans to introduce selective licensing
The NRLA has responded to Birmingham City Council's consultation on plans to introduce a selective licensing scheme in the city, by raising concerns about both the council's lack of evidence to show previous enforcement activity and the variation fee.
