Havering Council is set to review the impact of recent housing legislation on its residents, following a council meeting where the matter was raised. Councillor Jane Keane specifically requested a full report within a year detailing the impact of this legislation and any potential resource implications for the council that would be needed to give it full effect.
Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Housing Need, detailed the council's proactive approach to informing residents and landlords. She confirmed that the council's website has been live for a few weeks, providing advice for private landlords regarding the Renters' Rights Act. This information will also be promoted in an upcoming business briefing newsletter.
Councillor Summers also highlighted the council's significant investment in promoting the Landlord Licensing Scheme, going beyond statutory requirements. Promotional activities have included public notices in council buildings, advertisements in two local newspapers, leafleting in affected wards, digital marketing campaigns, and outdoor media at local stations and buses, alongside updates to the Private Sector Housing (PSH) website.
Councillor Keane had initially inquired about the information available to residents concerning changes to housing legislation. Councillor Summers responded by detailing the council's efforts and confirming that government-produced information for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 is also being disseminated.
Councillor Summers indicated that the requested full report on the legislation's impact and resource implications would be investigated, contingent on the current administration remaining in place. Further communications regarding the legislation are also planned.
