Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought approval to introduce a Medway Private Sector Tenant Accreditation Scheme.

It was reported that the aim of the scheme was to encourage tenants to sign up to a voluntary code of conduct, which encompassed tenants’ responsibilities including payment of rent, looking after their property and anti-social behaviour. Compliance with the code of conduct would lead to accreditation, which tenants could use to confirm to future landlords that they were responsible tenants.

A Diversity Impact Assessment screening form was attached to the report. This had identified that no groups would be disadvantaged by the introduction of the scheme and it was found that it was not necessary to carry out a full impact assessment.

Reasons

The Scheme will support tenants who want to demonstrate they are reliable and responsible when looking for private sector accommodation. It will help tenants secure better quality privately rented accommodation and support closer working with private sector landlords. The scheme will also support the Council’s work in preventing and alleviating homelessness.