Industry News
One in 10 rentals in England being advertised unlawfully
Research by the National Housing Federation and Shelter shows at least one in 10 rental properties in England is being advertised unlawfully by discriminating against people who rely on housing benefit to pay their rent. Analysis of around 86,000 letting adverts
on Zoopla revealed that 8,710 property adverts contained the words ‘no DSS’ or ‘no housing benefit’. Others used phrases like ‘professionals only’, demonstrating a similar sentiment. NHF chief executive Kate Henderson has
condemned the practice, saying the discrimination on display in the adverts is blatant and unacceptable, but was becoming increasingly widespread. She said: “It is beyond me why property
Government confirms funds for councils to crack down on rogue landlords
tenants and drive up standards across the sector. Housing Minister Heather Wheeler confirmed
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the funding for individual councils in mid January, honouring a commitment made late last year. The cash boost will enable local councils to step up action against the minority of landlords who continue to flout the law and force vulnerable tenants such as young families to live in inadequate or unsafe housing. On average the councils will receive additional
funds of just under £50,000 each. As it is a one-off payment, there are no guarantees similar support will be provided in the future. Authorities receiving the money will be
encouraged to share best practice and examples of innovative approaches, to help improve enforcement work in other areas. Among the councils to benefit are:
• Walsall - to improve cross-agency enforcement work, including the innovative use of drones and thermal mapping to identify problem properties;
ore than 50 councils across the country will share £2.4 million to crack down on rogue landlords, protect private sector
• Lancaster - to create a training programme for existing enforcement staff across the Lancashire region; and
• Greater London Authority (GLA) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) – allocated over £330,000 between them to carry out coordinated work to tackle rogue landlords who operate across multiple local authorities in their regions.
Heather Wheeler said: “Everyone has the right to
live in a home that is safe and secure, and it is vital we crack down on the small minority of landlords who are not giving their tenants this security.” The funds will be used to support a range of
projects that councils have said will help them strengthen action against criminal landlords – for example, to build relationships with external organisations such as the emergency services, legal services and local housing advocates. Councils may also decide to support tenants to
take action against poor standards through rent repayment orders, or develop digital solutions, helping officers to report back and make decisions quicker.
websites are permitting these adverts. They’re sending the message that they’re OK discriminating against someone, simply because they’re on benefits. This has to change. “Many housing associations were created in
the 1950s and 60s in reaction to discrimination and racism from private landlords who wouldn’t house migrants. Today’s discrimination is hardly any different, and we refuse to turn a blind eye to it.” Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, said
the survey showed that the discrimination against tenants on benefits was being brazenly enforced by letting agents, landlords and online property websites. “Statements like ‘No DSS’ are outdated,
offensive and causing misery for thousands. Families are finding themselves barred from renting homes time and time again, simply because they need a housing benefit top-up,” she said. “We need the lettings industry to stop
blaming each other, accept its role in this shocking practice and clean up its act.” The current housing crisis, characterised by
a shortage of social housing and high house prices has led to increasing numbers of people having to rent privately. High rents and stagnant wages has meant many tenants depend on housing benefit to pay their rent, whether they are in work or not. Indirectly discriminating against woman
and people with disabilities, by banning people on housing benefit, is likely to violate the 2010 Equality Act. Analysis from the two housing
organisations revealed the discrimination is more prevalent in coastal and rural areas.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM February/March 2019 | 17
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