Landlords in Oxford have been picked to help the government trial its new PRS Database, set to launch later this year.

Volunteers taking part in the trial will be expected to test the usability and functionality of landlord journeys on the PRS database (such as complete registration and required information and upload documentation) and then provide feedback to MHCLG on their experience.

A spokesman tells LandlordZONE: “The start date is determined by MHCLG, although we expect it to start during April, lasting 12 weeks.”

He adds that the council will also be testing useability and functionality from their perspective, while data won’t be public and will be removed at the end of the pilot.

Leader

Oxford boasts that it’s a leader in improving standards in the PRS and says other councils continue to seek its advice on developing similar approaches.

One of the only councils in the country requiring a licence for all private rented homes, its selective scheme has licensed more than 14,500 properties and is now in its third year. It estimates that there are at least 17,762 households in the PRS in Oxford although it says the uncertainty about unlicensed properties is one of the reasons behind the upcoming Database.

More than 1,000 proactive inspections have been carried out since the scheme began, with one in three homes (31%) found to have Category 1 hazards. The number of enforcement notices issued has grown by 35% compared to the first year of the scheme, and the council has stepped up investigations into unlicensed properties. Four financial penalties for failing to licence were issued this year.

Standards

Councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing and communities, says: “We are committed to driving up standards across the private rented sector, supporting good landlords, taking a zero-tolerance approach to rogue landlords, and taking robust enforcement action where it’s needed to protect tenants and improve homes.”

A fully functioning Database might mean reduced licensing fees if authorities can use database data rather than relying on complaints and licensing lists for enforcement; instead, they could identify missing certificates and non-registered landlords.

Positive

Sean Hooker, head of redress at Property Redress Scheme (pictured), says the pilot is positive news, however the system has to be easy to use, easy to access and easy to interpret. “By trialling it in a real live market will test how effective and robust the prototype is and what tweaks and changes will be needed to fully roll it out,” he tells LandlordZONE.

“Whilst it will be a hugely useful tool for local authorities and enforcement agencies, it should also be a tool to educate and inform, landlords, tenants during this massive period of change. My only concern has been this should have preceded a lot of the other provisions in order to help with compliance also to facilitate the earliest introduction of property standards and their monitoring.”

If any landlords in Oxford want to join the trial, they can email rrt@oxford.gov.uk

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