大象传媒

Blackpool resident Paul Smith lives in a flat which he says is putting him at serious risk. The kitchen floor is collapsing onto the electrics in the basement. He says it's dangerous and it's a scary place to live.

When he raised his concerns with the council, he says they deemed his home a potential fire risk. But given that the council have no legal duty to find an alternative property he says he feels trapped.

Paul鈥檚 experience is not unique. More than 4.4 million households make up the private rental sector - nearly one fifth of homes in England. 大象传媒 research shows that councils are regularly failing to use the full force of the powers available to them.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils, said "some issues may be resolved without the need for inspection and enforcement is a last resort."

大象传媒 Reporter Jim Connolly has been investigating this issue. For 5 Minutes On, we hear Paul's story - and we offer some tips for those in a similar situation.