Brighton has the largest percentage of private rented housing according to Councillor Tehmtan Framrose (The Argus, March 31) but what is that figure?

If it isn't quantified, it makes other arguments appear ridiculous, especially in the light of real statistics which revealed that private residential tenants actually complain less than either housing association tenants or council tenants pro rata.

On the basis of the largest percentage of private rented housing, we have 1,500 complaints in total, of which, according to Mr Framrose's statement, 252 resulted in action.

I don't agree with poor conditions but neither do I agree with such a contrived argument and the fact that housing associations and council housing are exempt from the scrutiny or rules Mr Framrose is so happy about. They are even exempt from much of the housing legislation, yet are grant aided.

Targeting only private landlords, even though council properties do not have to come up to the same standards, seems not only unhelpful but against the maxim innocent until proven guilty.

Apparently, Brighton and Hove City Council thinks that by assuming all landlords are guilty, their requirements are reasonable?

Using the same logic, the council will have to prove that the streets are safe, bins are cleared and council tenants are not suffering appalling conditions before they are allowed to levy community charges.

Good standards are important for everyone, not just private landlords, and constant vilification does nothing to help in a desperate housing situation.

As a landlord of some properties where the freeholder is the local authority, I can tell you the council doesn't seem concerned with poor conditions when there is work that needs to be carried out by them.

-J R Stevens, Roman Crescent, Southwick