Hertsmere Borough Council is taking further steps to tackle rogue landlords as part of its commitment to improving housing standards across the borough.
The Cabinet agreed to recommend new Amenity Standards for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to Full Council.
The revised policy sets out stronger requirements for landlords, covering areas including fire safety, heating, ventilation, room sizes, waste management and property inspections.
The changes will help ensure shared accommodation is safe, well maintained and properly managed, while strengthening the council’s ability to take enforcement action against landlords who fail to meet the required standards.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Council said: “HMOs play an important part of our local housing mix, but they must never be an excuse for substandard accommodation. These stronger standards will help us protect tenants, to tackle poor conditions and hold landlords to account.”
Cllr Alan Matthews, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Housing Development said:“These updated standards are about protecting tenants and improving the quality of shared accommodation.
“We want to see well-managed properties that meet the standards our residents deserve and will take firm action including withdrawal of licences where landlords fail to comply.”