Decision details

Adoption of this Private Rented Sector Housing standard providing an enforceable minimum baseline that will assist property managers comply with relevant housing legislation & guidance.

Matter for Decision

Approved the adoption of the Cambridge City Council Private Rented Sector Housing Standard was needed so that  property professionals operating within Cambridge City are provided with clear and relevant information in order to assist them to comply with relevant legislation and accepted guidance standards and thus provide safe and suitable accommodation. 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Approved the adoption of the Cambridge City Council Private Rented Sector Housing Standard, appendix a of the Officer’s report.

Reason for the Decision

It was acknowledged that current private rented standards and guidance were outdated and that responsible landlords / property managers do not always understand which apply to the rental accommodation that they are responsible for.  This leads to a reliance on Council Enforcement Officers from within the Residential Team, Environmental Health Department Environmental Services to explain standards requirements upon receipt of service requests from them seeking compliance.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Residential Team Manager, Environmental Health.

The Residential Team Manager, Environmental Health stated the following in response to Members’ questions:

     i.        The Standards under consideration would not include accessibility. However, this was covered by other legislation.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.