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Housing Select Committee - Wednesday, 17 June 2026 - 7.00 pm
June 17, 2026 at 7:00 pm Housing Select Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Housing Select Committee met on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, to discuss the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act and review the committee's work programme. Key decisions included noting the report on the Renters' Rights Act implementation and agreeing the work programme for the upcoming year.
Renters' Rights Act - One Month Implementation Update
The committee received an update on the council's preparedness for the Renters' Rights Act, which came into effect on 1 May 2026. Sean Grady, Head of Private Sector Licensing and Home Improvement, and Anucha Modester, Director of Housing Strategy, presented the report. They highlighted that the Act represents the most significant reform of the private rented sector since the 1988 Housing Act, introducing measures such as the abolition of Section 21 no-fault
evictions, limitations on rent increases to once a year, and a ban on rental bidding.
Lewisham Council rated itself as four out of five
ready for the Act's implementation, with officers having undergone extensive training. The council has received New Burdens funding to support the implementation, which has been used to hire additional staff on 24-month contracts. These new roles include Senior Housing Enforcement Officers and Senior Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officers.
The Housing Needs service is the primary point of contact for residents, focusing on early intervention, advice, and mediation. They will check the validity of eviction notices and work with landlords to resolve disputes. The Private Sector Housing Licensing and Enforcement service will lead on investigations and enforcement of new breaches, utilising Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) and pursuing prosecutions where appropriate. The council has a track record of enforcement against landlords, particularly concerning illegal evictions.
Communication efforts have included updated council webpages, direct communications to landlords and agents, presentations at the Landlord Forum, and advertisements in Lewisham Life magazine and on bus stops. Further communications are planned for the summer.
Since the Act's implementation, the council has received reports of four Section 8 notices (three for rent arrears, one for a landlord selling), two invalid Section 21 notices, and one complaint of rental discrimination. The council is actively supporting residents affected by these issues.
Select Committee Work Programme
The committee reviewed the draft work programme for 2026-27. Councillor Nadja Penfold, Chair of the Housing Select Committee, presented the proposed priorities. The committee agreed to the work programme, which includes topics such as Awaab's Law, learning from complaints, pre-decision budget proposals, asset management and major works, landlord performance, licensing updates for the private rented sector, temporary accommodation and homelessness, and empty homes.
Two items were placed on a watching brief
list for future consideration: Brockley PFI and the Housing Allocation Policy. The committee also suggested that a briefing on the Renters' Rights Act be arranged as early as possible.
Confirmation of Start Time for Committee
The committee resolved to confirm the start time of its meetings as 7:00 pm for the municipal year 2026-27.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous Housing Select Committee meeting held on 5 March 2026 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record.
Declarations of Interest
No interests were declared by members at the meeting.
Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Councillor Pauline Dall.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Confirmation of start time for Committee
Recommendations ApprovedThe Housing Select Committee of Lewisham Council resolved to confirm the start time of its meetings as 7.00 pm on 17 June 2026. The agreed start time will be used for scheduled meetings during the municipal year, subject to changes by the Proper Officer in consultation with the Chair.
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Apologies for absence
Recommendations Approved -
Renters' Rights Act - One Month Implementation Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Housing Select Committee of Lewisham Council noted the report on preparedness for the Renters’ Rights Act on 17 June 2026. The report outlined the council's readiness for Phase 1 reforms and their impact to date. The council has undertaken staff training, policy review, and developed new processes for supporting residents and taking enforcement action.
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Select Committee work programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Housing Select Committee of Lewisham Council approved the Work Programme for 2026–27 on 17 June 2026. The committee will consider topics including the Renters' Rights Act, damp and mould, learning from complaints, budget proposals, asset management, landlord performance, licensing, temporary accommodation, and empty homes.
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Minutes of previous meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Housing Select Committee of Lewisham Council confirmed the minutes of their previous meeting held on 5 March 2026. The committee also resolved to invite L&Q to a future meeting and for the Chair to write to the Chief Executive of London and Quadrant expressing dissatisfaction with their responses. The committee noted suggestions for future scrutiny topics and resolved to explore arranging a briefing on the Renters' Rights Act.
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Declarations of interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Housing Select Committee of Lewisham Council approved recommendations on 17/06/2026. No interests were declared by members.
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