Poor housing inspections reveal vile conditions. Legal notices were issued, improving lives and properties.
The project started in 2020. It covered about 6,500 homes in poorer communities. A council report detailed these bad conditions with examples. One Harehills flat had rotting floors and crumbling plaster. Exposed wiring made it even worse. Space was too small for living or cooking; smoke alarms were missing entirely.
A tenant with kidney failure was moved to a better place by the council. A meeting suggested licensing in other areas after a councilor was shocked by the housing conditions. He thought some homes were unfit for a dog. Over 400 civil penalties were issued. Also, 2,900 legal notices got issued too.
Two brothers dealt with problems like a broken window, damp, mold, and water leaks. One brother cared for the other, leaving him isolated and in bad shape. They got support for mental health issues and received help with benefit claims.
Police discovered criminal activity, leading to arrests. They found over 500 cannabis farms, brothels and “cuckooing”. “Cuckooing” means criminals took over homes, targeting vulnerable people for illicit use.
Actions improved 1,430 homes by removing hazards. About 6,023 people benefited from better living conditions. A council member said they didn’t blame all landlords, recognizing that private rentals are very vital in Leeds. People shouldn’t live in bad housing, and the city needs to be a safe, healthy spot.
The Harehills and Beeston project ended January 5. Current housing laws limited its capabilities. Some enforcement investigations are still ongoing, having started before the project’s end date.