A NEW online reporting system is being developed to make is easier for people to file official complaints about badly maintained private housing.

The move comes after Brighton and Hove City Council bid for £34,820 of Government money to pay for the scheme.

The new system will enable tenants experiencing problems with their home to request help, provide detailed information and upload photographs to highlight concerns.

The council staff will then be able to assess the situation and ensure action is taken place to sort the problems such as damp and safety concerns.

Almost a third of homes in Brighton and Hove are privately rented.

Councillor Tracey Hill, the council’s lead member on the housing and new homes committee, said: “There are a lot of responsible landlords in the city, but we also know that many tenants are living in poor condition properties that are not properly maintained. This new initiative will enable us to build on work we are already carrying out to protect tenants and improve the standard of private accommodation in the city.”

The new online reporting form is due to be introduced in April.