Northampton Borough Council (19 010 741)

Statement Upheld Private housing 02-Dec-2020

Summary: Mr B complains that the Council refused to reimburse him for loss of rent and damage to his property under its Deposit Bond Scheme. Although the Council has now agreed to pay Mr B £450 after receipt of new information, the Ombudsman has found no fault in the way the Council decided that Mr B had not previously provided enough information to compensate him under the scheme. There was delay in responding to his complaint, but the Ombudsman considers the apology already provided sufficient remedy for any injustice that this has caused Mr B.

Crawley Borough Council (20 001 604)

Statement Upheld Private housing 24-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X complains the Council failed to meet its obligations to him as a landlord under its tenancy deposit scheme. The Ombudsman has completed our investigation. There is fault by the Council. It should apologise to Mr X, pay him £150, and take action to improve its service.

London Borough of Enfield (19 005 886)

Statement Upheld Private housing 20-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr B complains on behalf of his parents who live next to a property that he believes to be empty and in poor condition. We uphold the complaint finding the Council has not adequately considered whether the property is empty and so should engage its empty homes approach. It has also provided poor customer service at times. This has caused distress to Mr B's parents and another neighbour who supports his complaint. It has also caused him unnecessary time, trouble and frustration. The Council accepts these findings. At the end of this statement we set out the action it agrees to take to remedy this injustice.

Brighton & Hove City Council (19 013 652)

Statement Upheld Private housing 17-Nov-2020

Summary: Miss X complains the Council has discriminated against her based on her race and religion. I have completed my investigation. The Council failed to have due regard to its duties under the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act. It should apologise to Miss X and pay her £150.

Liverpool City Council (20 000 190)

Statement Upheld Private housing 13-Nov-2020

Summary: Mr X, on behalf of his mother, complains the Council failed to take further enforcement regarding the installation of a handrail and failed to take action to remove a rat infestation. The Council has been unable to provide records to show it properly considered whether to take further enforcement action. This is fault. There is evidence action was taken in respect of the infestation.

Westminster City Council (20 000 585)

Statement Not upheld Private housing 02-Nov-2020

Summary: Ms B complained that the Council had failed to take action to deal with serious hazards in her privately rented property. We cannot identify any fault in the way the Council dealt with the issues.

Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council (19 003 580)

Statement Upheld Private housing 23-Oct-2020

Summary: The Ombudsman upholds Mr X's complaint about the Council's failure to share what it knew about two individuals it housed in a property he managed. The Council knew about the tenants' history of anti-social behaviour. It disclosed some information but failed to disclose information that might have dissuaded Mr X from accepting the tenants. Mr X would not have accepted the tenants if he had known. Mr X experienced prolonged anti-social behaviour from the tenants and had to take legal action to evict them. The Council will apologise to Mr X and make a payment to acknowledge the injustice to him and his family. It will also review its policies about the use of private sector rented accommodation, and for tackling anti-social behaviour.

Bury Metropolitan Borough Council (19 008 142)

Statement Not upheld Private housing 05-Oct-2020

Summary: There was no evidence of fault by the Council. The Council gave Mr B details of the visit he requested and there is no evidence to support his view that he was told he would get a report to assist him with a claim against his landlord or support with obtaining new housing.

Broadland District Council (19 015 274)

Statement Not upheld Private housing 02-Oct-2020

Summary: Mr & Mrs X complained the Council failed to identify health and safety hazards and take appropriate enforcement action against their landlord when it inspected their privately rented home. The Council was not at fault.

London Borough of Sutton (19 020 518)

Statement Upheld Private housing 01-Oct-2020

Summary: Ms B complains that the Council delayed in carrying out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System inspection of the temporary accommodation it provided her when she was homeless. The Ombudsman finds the Council delayed in completing an inspection which meant Ms B had to live in a property with hazards for longer than necessary. The Council has agreed to make a payment to Ms B in recognition of the injustice she suffered.