'˜Further action' needed on Page Hall properties in Sheffield

The council has said it is going to look into further measures after it implemented a selective licensing scheme which aims to improve housing standards in the area.

This meant landlords who let properties to tenants are bound by law to implement minimum safety standards and living conditions.

This included valid gas safety certificates and cleanliness of properties. The measures are enforced by council inspectors.

Landlords are legally obliged to comply with the measures but a voluntary scheme in the wider Page Hall and Fir Vale areas has not been taken up.

The voluntary registration scheme covers the area around Page Hall and Fir Vale, with around 520 privately rented homes.

The council is writing to each property in the area to tell landlords and residents they will be collecting information about homes, how many are rented, who the landlords are and any issues.

Janet Sharpe, director of housing and neighbourhoods at Sheffield Council, said: “Selective licensing has been very effective with almost 96 per cent of eligible properties now licensed in the central Page Hall area.

“Homes have been made safer and we are working with landlords to secure other improvements and ensure tenancies are managed responsibly.

“We introduced the voluntary scheme in the surrounding area because landlords said they wanted to work with us on a voluntary basis.

“We’re disappointed that only a few have signed up to the scheme so we’re looking again at the area to see whether further action is needed.”

Landlords are being urged to call the council on 0114 273 4680.