Private Sector Housing

The Private Housing Unit helps to protect the rights of tenants who are renting private accomodation.

A tenant can contact the Private Sector Housing Unit if they have a concern about conditions within their privately rented accommodation and the landlord has refused to take any action.

We would also like to hear from you if you own a property and wish to lease it to the Council.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Standards Team

If you are renting a bedsit, we will make sure that your landlord keeps it in a reasonable condition, provides sufficient cooking, washing and toilet facilities and makes sure it is safe from the risk of fire.

If you are renting a bedsit and are experiencing problems such as rubbish, infestations of rodents and insects or drainage defects, we can also make sure your landlord deals with this.

If you are the owner of a large HMO, you may now require a licence for the property. Please contact us to discuss this and find out how to apply for a licence.

Housing and Public Health Team

If you are renting a house or flat which is occupied just by you and your family, we can make sure that your landlord keeps it in reasonable condition so that it does not put your health and safety at risk.

We can also make sure your landlord deals with public health problems such as the accumulation of rubbish, infestations of rodents and insects and drainage defects.

If you are concerned about public health problems in another property nearby, including empty properties, we will deal with this, too.

If you own your own home, we may be able to help you with a grant towards the cost of repairs and energy efficiency and home security works. We may also be able to help with the cost of adapting your home to make it suitable for occupation by a disabled person (you or a family member who lives with you).

Procurement and Private Initiatives Team

The team is responsible for managing the Council’s private sector leasing scheme and works with private landlords and colleagues in Housing Needs to procure property for use as temporary accommodation.

Landlord Link

The team publishes a twice-yearly newsletter Landlord Link and organises meetings at which landlords can learn about Council services and policies and, via the Landlord Accreditation Scheme undergo training in housing management and legislation.

If you are the landlord of property in Hackney and would like to receive Landlord Link or attend the landlord forum, please contact Rita Mitchell on 020 8356 5741 or Sheila Harris on 020 8356 4701.

Property owners

If you own property that you would like to offer to the Council for temporary accommodation under the private sector leasing scheme, please contact Rita Mitchell on 020 8356 5741 or Sheila Harris on 020 8356 4701.

If you own an empty property in Hackney and would like to discuss how best to bring it back to use, please contact Rita or Sheila for help.

Tenants in temporary accommodation

If you live in temporary accommodation provided by the private sector leasing scheme and are concerned about the condition of the property, contact this team which is also responsible for ensuring that landlords maintain the accommodation properly.

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Page updated: 25 Jan 2008