Additional HMO Licensing Consultation Reminder

Greetings everyone! As we approach the final weeks of the Additional Licensing consultation for the entire Sandwell Borough, we want to remind you that the consultation period for this expansion will conclude on March 18, 2024. If you haven’t already, please take the time to share your input by completing our questionnaire at: https://consultationhub.sandwell.gov.uk/external-research-companies/hmo-additional-licensing-consultation/

The Sandwell Council envisions that extending the current licensing scheme to encompass all HMOs in the area will result in several positive outcomes:

• Enhancing living conditions for numerous tenants through property improvement.
• Mitigating property-related crime, addressing anti-social behavior, and reducing instances of rubbish dumping.
• Supporting responsible landlords while eliminating rogue landlords from operating within the borough.
• Elevating the overall image of the area, making it a more desirable place to reside.

Before reaching a decision, the Council values your opinions on the proposed changes and any alternative suggestions. Your participation in the questionnaire is crucial to shaping the outcome of this process. Thank you for your involvement!

Do you rent out properties which aren’t heated by gas? Then read on…

The Government is offering Home Upgrade Grants to landlords who rent out properties which aren’t primarily heated by gas. 

Following a free assessment from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s friendly retrofit team, a range of measures to improve the energy efficiency of your property will be recommended.  These could include loft and wall insulation, solar panels and the introduction of high retention storage heaters or air source heat pumps.

Two thirds of the cost is covered by the Government Home Upgrade Grant, with the remaining third payable by the landlord.  An average of £19,500 is being spent in total on each property.  After the costs have been clarified and consent to proceed has been obtained from the landlord, the work is carried out.  

Once completed, everyone benefits!  The property is warmer to live in; damp and mould gets treated; your tenants’ energy bills go down; the property’s carbon footprint is reduced and the value of the property increases.

In order to qualify for this scheme:

• Only properties which don’t use gas as the main form of central heating will qualify
• Landlords must own four or less properties
• Only properties which have an Energy Performance Certificate of D or less will qualify; this will be checked when you apply
• The combined income of the tenants in the property must not exceed £36,000 per year – although certain postcode areas are exempt from income checks.

More information on the Home Upgrade Scheme is available at www.wmca.org.uk/hug

Empty Homes Week 2024 is here!

Celebrate National Empty Homes Week with us from Monday, March 4th, to Sunday, March 10th! Sandwell Council is calling on your support to address the issue of vacant homes amid the ongoing housing crisis in the UK.

During Empty Homes Week, we seize the opportunity to provide guidance and support to individuals interested in bringing their unoccupied properties back into use. Additionally, we offer residents valuable advice on how to report any empty properties they come across.

In the past fiscal year 2023/2024, the Private Rented Sector and Housing Standards Team at Sandwell Council successfully reintegrated 25 homes that had been vacant for over two years. This achievement surpasses the target of 20 homes outlined in the Empty Property Strategy for the period. We remain on course to fulfill the ‘200 Homes’ plan, aiming to bring 200 homes back into use within five years, as outlined in the Empty Property Strategy. This accomplishment results from collaborative efforts with property owners and the implementation of various enforcement measures.

To encourage property owners to revive their vacant homes, we have introduced the Secure and Sustain Incentive Scheme. This initiative empowers the council to identify suitable tenants for your property. As an added incentive, we provide financial assistance to owners for obtaining necessary safety certificates and landlord insurance. There is also assistance to bring the property up to standard. For more details on this incentive scheme, please reach out to us via email at property_offer@sandwell.gov.uk.

For additional information, visit our webpage: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/find-home/empty-properties. Alternatively, you can contact us via email at PrivateSector_Housing@sandwell.gov.uk.