Property investors with an interest in landlords insurance could be drawn into buying homes in Islington after the local council walked off with the “Best Local Authority Landlord Services Award” at the recent UK Landlord Accreditation Partnership Awards.
The council was praised for its work with private landlords in the area which resulted in local families with housing issues remaining close to their roots and jobs. The councils work in negotiating sustainable tenancies, encouraging private landlords to return empty homes to use and its licensing of homes for multiple occupancy were all noted by the judges.
Landlords are always keen to own properties in prestigious areas as the rental value is usually better, and Islington Council have certainly done their best to improve the area. The streets of the borough are patrolled by council employees who will fine dog owners who allow their pets to foul pavements and they are equally severe with litter louts. The Private Housing Partnership Team works relentlessly with landlords, letting agents and residents to improve relationships and understanding between all parties. At a time when many council’s have regarded private landlords as enemy number one, Islington has seen the value of working in tandem with home owners who have a common purpose in housing the population.
Councillor James Murray who runs the Housing department at Islington said: “The private sector offers an important supply of housing at the moment because of the shortage of family sized council houses. At a time when the government’s welfare reforms are threatening many tenants, the council’s work with private providers to sustain tenancies is helping more residents stay in the borough”.