Shelter Invests in Council Initiative to Improve Landlord Standards

Shelter, a well-known housing charity, has secured funding from the Oak Foundation to collaborate with Dundee City Council. The goal is to improve landlord standards in the city's private rented sector and strengthen relationships between landlords and tenants.

Outreach Project for Better Practices

The new council post holder will focus on proactive engagement with landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders in Dundee’s rental market. They will look at day-to-day landlord practice, encouraging improvements that can help prevent disputes or costly interventions. This informal approach allows the council to raise standards without resorting to enforcement measures, benefitting everyone involved.

Emphasis on Repairs and Maintenance

According to the council, one of the key areas covered by this initiative will be regular seminars and guidance on issues such as repairs and property maintenance. By addressing problems early, landlords will be able to keep properties in better condition, reducing the risk of more serious faults. Technological services like Help me Fix are becoming increasingly popular by providing AI diagnostics and video triage, giving landlords and tenants immediate support for repairs.

We see technology playing a pivotal role in supporting local authorities and landlords to provide quick, efficient fixes for tenants. Working together with councils means the private rented sector can adopt more consistent standards to everyone’s benefit.

Ettan Bazil, Founder & CEO of Help me Fix

A Positive Step for Dundee

If approved, the Dundee-focused outreach will run for two and a half years, entirely funded by Shelter. By collaborating with landlords who are not yet at risk of enforcement, the post holder aims to build constructive relationships, foster open dialogue, and raise awareness of best practices. In many cases, digital-first approaches can help minimise response times and ensure thorough documentation of repair work.

In the longer term, the hope is that this collaboration can serve as a model for other local authorities. Innovative solutions, such as AI-powered repairs assistants and live engineer triage, can help councils and letting agents identify potential issues, offer guidance, and resolve queries without unnecessary contractor visits.

Future Impact on Letting Agents

By investing in education and providing resources, this partnership aims to reduce the friction between landlords and tenants. Letting agents will also benefit from solutions designed to address urgent repairs quickly, leading to fewer complaints and longer-lasting tenancies. As property maintenance standards rise, it becomes simpler to manage compliance and ensures that tenants’ safety and comfort remain a top priority.

Supporting Landlords Beyond Enforcement

While enforcement remains essential for tackling rogue activities, this project highlights the importance of preventative measures. Offering detailed advice on issues including repairs, energy efficiency, and overall property standards helps landlords meet their responsibilities and keeps tenants happy. Whether by introducing technology-driven services or leveraging training and support, initiatives like this can mark a turning point in how the private rented sector is managed.