The licensing team and partners including Streetscene, Housing Enforcement and the Empty Homes Team began a proactive programme of area audits across the licensing areas in 2021. Each designation has been split into smaller “zones” to allow for a targeted assessment and investigation of the private rented sector in these areas. By shifting the area monitoring to focused zones we are able to get a deeper understanding of the conditions in a given area of the licensing designation, and ensure improvements are made to whole streets at a time.
We check that landlords are compliant with the licensing scheme and that gas safety certificates, electrical reports and Energy Performance Certificates are valid. We then undertake external audits of all rented properties within the zone, looking for external disrepair and dirty backyards, as well as checking whether properties have appropriate waste/recycling facilities and secure back gates to reduce the chance of fly tipping. We then contact landlords and letting agents to ensure any problems are addressed. Where we have concerns that a property may be poor internally, we also make a referral to the Housing Enforcement team for a full internal inspection.
After each audit the team reports back on their findings. For more information on the audit programme please contact landlords@burnley.gov.uk.
Area Audit Final Reports
Trinity
Trinity Area Audit 1: February – March 2022 (Albion Street, Baker Street and Piccadilly Road area)
Trinity Area Audit 2: August – October 2022 (Herbert Street, Pritchard Street, Grange Street area)
Queensgate
Queensgate Area Audit 1: Autumn 2021 (Pheasantford Street area)
Queensgate Area Audit 2: May-Jul 2022 (Ford Street, Heap Street and Rylands Street area)
Queensgate Area Audit 3: Nov 22-Jan 2023 (Green Street area)
Gannow
Gannow Area Audit 1: Jan-Mar 2022 (Bivel Street area)
Gannow Area Audit 2: May-Jul 2022 (St John’s Road and Kime Street area)
Gannow Area Audit 3: Nov22-Jan 2023 (Carter Street, Oak Street, Woodbine Road area)
Daneshouse & Stoneyholme
Daneshouse & Stoneyholme Area Audit 1: Feb – April 2022 (New Hall Street area)
