Rugby Borough Council must engage with landlords

On 13 December 2018, concerns were raised by Councillor Tim Douglas (Paddox Ward) 2018 about Rugby Borough Council's Private Renters Charter being incomplete and the need to consult with landlords before the Charter is published.

At Full Council on 19 July 2018, the Portfolio Holder for Communities and Homes had indicated that the likely date for the completion of a Private Renters Charter for Rugby would be August 2018.

Councillor Douglas questioned why the Charter is still incomplete and asked how many landlords have been consulted to ensure the Charter is properly road tested before publication.

The Communities and Homes Portfolio Holder said there have been a significant number of alterations to the Charter and the current draft is a more detailed than originally anticipated and comprises a single page Charter with a supporting guidance manual for landlords and tenants, detailing rights and responsibilities.

The Portfolio Holder could not say how many landlords have been consulted.

A finalised version of the Charter is anticipated to be considered by Cabinet in January 2019.

Commenting, Councillor Tim Douglas, said:

"The Council has clearly underestimated the complexity in legislation affecting the private rented sector and the information and advice that is now needed to support landlords and tenants. Unless the Council engages fully with landlords the Charter will not be successful and neither landlords or tenants will reap the benefits. More and more people are renting, and the Council must get a grip on the sector and step up to the challenges facing tenants and landlords."