Sheffield's housing horrors exposed, as deadline looms for landlords

These photos show the horrific state of some private rented properties in Sheffield, with rogue landlords warned they face prosecution.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Oct 2018, 17:53 BST
Updated 31st Oct 2018, 03:01 BST
This work surface had seen better daysThis work surface had seen better days
This work surface had seen better days

Landlords on London Road and in parts of Abbeydale Road and Chesterfield Road must now apply to the council for a licence to let their properties, after selective licensing was introduced in an effort to improve living conditions in the area.

The deadline for applications falls on Thursday, November 1, and the council today warned that steps were being finalised to fine or prosecute the hundreds of landlords who have so far failed to apply.

This work surface had seen better daysThis work surface had seen better days
This work surface had seen better days
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Sheffield landlords told to get licence to continue renting out properties
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Councillor Jim Steinke, cabinet member for housing at the council, said: 'Don't underestimate our commitment and our powers.  We mean what we say.

'We have thousands of safe and well managed private rented properties across the city.  But we cannot ignore the despicable conditions we saw on London Road, Abbeydale Road and Chesterfield Road. We encourage all landlords to help themselves and take responsibility.

'Everyone deserves to live in safe, good quality housing, regardless of whether they rent or own their home.'

Sockets and plugs were left exposed at this propertySockets and plugs were left exposed at this property
Sockets and plugs were left exposed at this property

Cabinet members voted in June to impose selective licensing on around 668 properties in the area following numerous complaints about the standard of rented properties there.

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The council said it had attempted to work with landlords to get them to maintain their properties better but licensing regulations were introduced after the majority failed to make the necessary improvements.

It praised those landlords in the area who have already applied for a licence and acknowledged some had been cooperative and kept their properties in a good condition.

Not the best example of tilingNot the best example of tiling
Not the best example of tiling

But it warned those who haven't that come Thursday they will be in breach of the law and risk criminal prosecution and financial penalties.

The warning follows the Council's Landlord Awards 2018, celebrating the best of those in the industry who go above and beyond to look after their tenants.

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Anyone who has an issue with their private rented property which the landlord is not addressing is advised to contact the council's Private Housing Standards team by calling 0114 273 4680 or emailing [email protected]. They can also contact the housing charity Shelter for advice.

Related topics:LandlordsSheffieldLondon RoadAbbeydale Road