HARLOW Council has intensified its enforcement efforts to tackle poor standards in private sector housing, launching a series of targeted inspections and actions against rogue landlords and unsafe houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

This proactive crackdown is part of the council’s wider commitment to protecting communities under the Building Harlow’s Future plan. The initiative aims to ensure that all private tenants live in safe, decent homes that meet legal standards, while supporting responsible landlords who maintain quality housing.

As part of this initiative, Councillor Joel Charles, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, joined enforcement officers from the council to execute a warrant at a property which has been operating as an HMO.

Cllr Charles is concerned that some private sector landlords in the town are putting their tenants and the community at risk:

“All private sector landlords need to understand that it is unacceptable to operate an unlicensed house in multiple occupation.

“I recently joined council officers to execute a warrant at a property identified as a suspected unlicensed house in multiple occupation. The condition of the property was shocking, so enforcement action is now being taken against the landlord.

“Landlords who are found to run unsafe properties will be held to account and face severe consequences for their actions. The council is scaling up its approach to enforcement to help raise housing standards in Harlow. Those landlords who do the right thing will continue to have the council’s support, but there will be no hesitation to act if the housing standards required are not delivered.

“Through tougher inspections and decisive action, the council is working to improve the quality of private sector housing available in the district. This is all about building a safer and more resilient town.”

If residents have concerns about private housing safety standards in Harlow, visit our website for details on how to report.