Some Eastbourne landlords are fully up to speed on the new Housing legislation, but Eastbourne Borough Council want to ensure all landlords, agents and owners have the opportunity to access the information and facts they need. Landlords are encouraged to attend an awareness event to be held at the Committee Room, Town Hall, on Thursday 16th March 2006. There will be two sessions, the first at 2.30 pm and the second at 6.30 pm. Each session will last approximately one hour.
A brief presentation by Eastbourne Borough Council staff will be followed by the opportunity to discuss individual points with staff members on a number of topics including fire safety, licensing costs, etc.
Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson for Housing, Health and Community Services, Councillor Sandie Howlett, says, “All landlords need to be aware of the changes in legislation and I hope as many as possible take the opportunity to attend these sessions. As a council we are committed to offer assistance to help landlords adjust to the new requirements.”
The Legislation introduces a Mandatory Licensing Scheme for certain properties “in multiple occupation” – typically shared bed-sit type properties. In addition, new definitions also apply for houses occupied by students bringing these properties under the new rules. Environmental Health staff will have a new inspection regime which involves assessing properties for risk against 29 different potential hazards.
This legislation is a major change for landlords and Local Authority staff alike which landlords should take seriously to avoid hefty fines for non compliance – fines can be up to £20,000 for not licensing a property!
This free event is limited in size by the venue and is therefore on a first come first served basis. To attend, landlords must register their details by telephoning the Council’s Private Sector Housing Team on 01323 415350 and stating which session, either 2.30 pm or 6.30 pm they wish to attend. Depending on demand, there may be further sessions in the future. Those who cannot attend on the 16th March but do wish to attend in the future, should register their interest by telephoning the same number.
