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Compulsory property acquisition (714) Service
The council can be granted the power to buy or take rights over private property if it falls within a public or private construction project such as housing regeneration or a redevelopment area / project. Prior to issue of CPOs there should be a consultation and may be a public enquiry.
Empty residential properties (913) Service
Empty residential properties are a target for squatters, vandals and burglars. They could be used to provide homes for the many people who need one. Councils will act on reports of empty properties and may provide grants for renovation and/or rental schemes to encourage owners to make use of empty properties.
Houses in multiple occupation register (716) Service
The landlord or person having control of or managing homes in multiple occupancy must apply to register the premises with the local authority.
Houses in multiple occupation safety inspection (150) Service
The local authority carries out safety inspection on homes in multiple occupation to ensure that it is safe, fit to live in and meet the legislative standards.
Housing service charges (1771) Service
Service charges are payments towards the costs of providing and maintaining services for accommodation where the council is the freeholder. As the freeholder, the council is responsible for maintaining the structure of the whole building and the communal areas such as halls and stairways. Service charges may apply for day to day maintenance, caretaking and cleaning, repairs and improvements and a variety of other similar services.
Landlord accreditation (717) Service
A set of standards (or code) relating to the management or physical condition of privately rented accommodation. Landlords who join a scheme and abide by the standards are accredited. Accreditation schemes are voluntary. There is no compulsion for landlords to join, but there may be many advantages.
Local authority mortgage scheme (LAMS) (1719) Service
The Local Authority Mortgage Scheme (LAMS) is available to first time buyers who can afford mortgage repayments and have a 5 per cent deposit but who do not have the larger deposit now required by many mortgage lenders. The scheme allows the Council to support first time buyers through the provision of a financial indemnity so that a 95 per cent mortgage can be obtained on similar interest rate terms to a 75 per cent mortgage.
Private landlord support (1616) Service
Provision of information and support to anyone who is providing property for rent in the local area.
Private tenants rent assistance (1154) Service
The service is to assist private tenants to move into a property and avoid the need to find council accommodation for them.
Property deeds (157) Service
The local authority does not retain the deeds where a property has been sold under the right to buy scheme it will be retained by the leaseholders mortgage or loan lender.
Selective area housing licences (1691) Service
A landlord of any privately rented house or flat within an area which has been designated as a selective housing area must have a licence in order to let the property. Licences typically last for 5 years and can be renewed.
Selective housing areas (1690) Service
Selective licensing gives local councils powers to regulate landlords and managing agents of private rented property in certain areas. A council can designate any part of their local area as a selective licensing area with the aim of addressing the impact that rogue landlords and anti-social tenants can have on a wider community.
Shared home ownership (1720) Service
Shared ownership allows the owner to own a percentage of their home, for which they will pay a mortgage. The remainder of the property is owned by the local authority to whom rent is paid.
Voluntary property acquisition (715) Service
Where private property if falls within a public or private construction project such as housing regeneration or a redevelopment area / project the council may come to an agreement with the property owner regarding the purchase of the property before considering the issue of a Compulsory Purchase Order.