A study of new council powers to enforce minimum standards in private rented housing has revealed widespread concern at the conditions some migrant workers are being forced to live in.

The survey conducted by LACORS (the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) found that 57 per cent of councils had encountered private sector housing issues linked specifically to migrant workers. This was of particular concern to over 90 per cent of councils in Yorkshire and Humber and for 75 per cent of councils in the North West.

In some cases, councils have encountered appalling and overcrowded conditions in which some workers are forced to live, exceeding the legal occupancy limit and endangering the safety of those living there. Officers have also encountered situations where workers feel scared to complain about poor housing conditions because their accommodation is tied to their employment.

Carried out in collaboration with the National HMO Network, the survey asked all English councils how they are progressing with new licensing powers for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), introduced by the Housing Act 2004.

Under the Housing Act 2004, landlords of HMOs comprising three or more storeys and occupied by five or more people must obtain an HMO Licence from the council. Landlords who continue to operate such properties without a licence, or who exceed the occupancy limit set down in the licence, can be prosecuted by the council and fined up to £20,000. These new powers came into force on 6 April 2006, and several councils – the London Borough of Ealing, London Borough of Islington and Arun District Council - have already successfully prosecuted landlords for operating unlicensed HMOs.

Councils also have power to deal with serious overcrowding and poor housing conditions in all private rented properties, not just those covered by licensing, and strong sanctions are available for landlords who fail to comply.

In light of this, LACORS is supporting councils by providing advice about and forging links with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to ensure that the welfare of workers is protected. LACORS have today published guidance for councils on the role of the GLA and how they can work with GLA compliance officers to deal with substandard accommodation for migrant workers.

Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, Chairman of LACORS, said:
“Every private tenant, including migrant workers, deserves a safe, decent place to live backed up by a responsible landlord. It’s important for people to know that councils have the power to deal with poor conditions in all private rented properties, and that strong sanctions are available to deal with the minority of rogue landlords who continue to flout the law.

“Migrant workers who fear they are being exploited by their employers or landlords can approach their local council for advice. Councils are prepared to use the tough enforcement powers introduced under the Housing Act 2004 to tackle the worst management and property conditions in the private rented sector.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. LACORS (The Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services) is a local government central body working with, and on behalf of, the UK local authority associations. We lobby on behalf of local government and ensure that legislation and Government policy can be practically implemented.

2. The HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Licensing survey was carried out in March/April 2007. It was voluntary, and the findings are based on 254 returns from local authorities, which is a response rate of 72 per cent.  This is a good response, and we can be confident that the results are broadly representative of all licensing authorities. The full survey report, which provides a valuable insight into the implementation of HMO Licensing across the country, will be published by LACORS later this month. 

3. Percentage of local housing authorities, by region, that are experiencing private sector housing issues linked to migrant workers:

4. For further information on the regulation of private sector housing, visit the LACORS website www.lacors.gov.uk, or email housing@lacors.gov.uk