ABSTRACT
Many local authorities are seeking to address category 1 hazards through informal action. The inconsistency of approach amongst local authorities or even different officers in the same authority is confusing to landlords being addressed informally by some or formally by others. It is hard for society to challenge these decisions or know if they are correct. This inconsistency is rooted in poor management and poor understanding of the aims and objectives of housing enforcement teams and fails to change criminal landlord behaviour. Selective licensing seeks to improve landlord’s management of their own properties and improve standards through coordinated multi-agency enforcement.
