Dorset Council is pressing landlords in Weymouth and Portland to respond to their letters through the Safer Renting scheme.
The council launched the pilot scheme in Weymouth and Portland last year where there are large numbers of rented properties.
While it’s not a registration or licensing scheme, Safer Renting aims to work with landlords to help them comply with a range of legislation in a bid to raise standards and encourage best practice.
Landlords approached through Safer Renting will receive a letter advising them to log their details and complete a form for the property they let out.
They will also be asked to confirm they meet common legal requirements such as possessing a current gas safety certificate, electrical condition report, and providing a smoke detector on each level of a property.
Since it was introduced, 75% of landlords contacted via the scheme have signed up and received advice and information on how to achieve full compliance.
This could be anything from a checklist of required certificates and paperwork to more specific advice based on what information the landlord has submitted.
In some cases, the council and landlord will agree that an inspection is necessary to help resolve any issues.
However, 25% of landlords who have been written to are yet to respond.
“I would appeal to landlords in Weymouth and Portland to complete the online form on our website if they haven’t already done so, to be sure they are complying with the law,” urged councillor Jane Somper, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care, health and housing.
“This front-facing service is helping landlords comply with their legal requirements and improve standards and safety in rented properties.
“It also means we can target those properties which are rented, but where the landlord has not told us about the conditions and can act accordingly.”
If a landlord fails to complete the form, the council may arrange to inspect the property.
According to Dorset Council, the scheme is likely to be extended to other parts of Dorset in the future.
