During 2006 Environmental Health ran free events for landlords in Eastbourne explaining the requirements of the new Housing Act 2004, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and property licences for Houses in Multiple Occupation.
Find Out About the New Housing Laws
Some Eastbourne landlords are already up to speed on the new Housing legislation, but the council wants to ensure all landlords, agents and owners have the opportunity to access information they need and get free help and guidance.
This section has details of our recent Landlord Awareness Events. More events are planned and details will be published here.
We also have an online forum for private landlords in Eastbourne to ask questions and share experiences.
Housing Act 2004
All landlords need to be aware of the changes in legislation and we hope as many as possible take the opportunity to attend these sessions.
The council is 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!
