Last week, the government confirmed that changes to the planning rules in April will give councils more powers to manage the development of Houses in Multiple Occupation and high concentrations of shared rented homes which, when poorly managed, can change the balance and nature of local communities.

Over the last few years, we have seen local communities working with their local council and police, and using new powers, to tackle problems in their areas. That has undoubtedly led to the massive reductions in crime we have seen since 1997 – crime overall has been cut by 36% - and in anti-social behaviour. This happens when people are committed to their local community.

However, there are areas where bad landlords have bought a number of properties and, intending to make as much money as possible, made short-term lettings. They’ve also changed family homes into ones for three or more tenants, who are not related to one another but have to share basic amenities. Problems then arise because these new tenants have little stake in the area.

The new rules are about tackling these bad landlords, where tenants bear the brunt of poor conditions and bad management. Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live. These measures aim to improve standards of the private rented sector at a time when more people look to rent as their first option in the housing market. They give councils the powers to license in order to deal with large numbers of unsafe and substandard properties that may have become a magnet for problems.

The new rules also enable councils to set up local landlord licensing schemes, without requiring government approval. These means that local councils can, if they choose, respond quickly to emerging problems.

Work is also underway on a new National Landlords Register, to help raise standards and quality of private rented accommodation. It will give tenants and landlords easy access to clear advice and support, and keep them informed of their rights and responsibilities.

Clive Betts MP