Tougher measures to crackdown on rogue landlords

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has brought new rules into force to help crackdown on rogue landlords that flout the rules and improve safety and affordability for renters.

The powers will give local authorities the tools to crack down on rogue landlords who shirk their responsibilities and comes as part of the government’s plan to create a bigger and better private rental sector that meets the needs of tenants and landlords alike, giving those who rent a fairer deal.

Councils are now able to impose fines of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for a range of housing offences. They will be able to retain all of the income to make sure it is used for private sector housing enforcement purposes.

Rent repayment orders, which can be issued to penalise landlords managing or letting unlicensed properties, have also been extended to cover a wider range of situations. These include the illegal evictions or harassment of the occupiers of a property, using violence to secure entry and the breach of a banning order.

Housing and Planning Minister Gavin Barwell said: “These measures will give councils the additional powers they need to tackle poor-quality rental homes in their area.

“By driving out of business those rogue landlords that continue to flout the rules, we can raise standards, improve affordability and give tenants the protections they need.”