Raids on overcrowded properties

Dagenham has again found its way into the news, this time it is all about “Rogue Landlords”. Raids were carried out last thursday on properties in the borough by council officers, they discovered that a total of 55 people were living in 3 houses.
The Government has only just recently made it very clear that landlords who did not maintain decent living conditions in their properties would be severly dealt with, that also included the repsonsibility of making checks on tenants to ensure they were not illegal immigrants.
The raids uncovered an illegally converted overcrowded terraced property with over 20 people including 4 children, less than a mile away 15 people in a 3 bedroomed house and nearby to that 18 people including 2 children living in 5 rooms.
Barking and Dagenham Councilor Laila Butt reportedly said.“It’s unacceptable to have these almost Dickensian conditions in a world class city such as London.
Research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed there has been a surge in overcrowded homes in Britain. Over 3 million people now live in a household with at least five other individuals.

It was announced recently by the  Government,that landlords or letting agents who did not take their responsibilities seriously, concerning the providing of decent living conditions for tenants and making checks on the resident status of tenants, would be punished by fines or in some cases imprisonment, lets hope they stick to their word.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

New Housing Secretary must focus on delivery, says FMB

The appointment of Steve Reed MP as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, following the resignation of Angela Rayner MP, must signal the start of a new drive for delivery of the Government’s stated target to build 1.5 million new homes, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive…
Read More
Breaking News

Industry Response to the Resignation of Angela Rayner

Lawrence Turner, Director of Boyer said: “Angela Rayner’s planning reforms rightly acknowledged the scale of the Housing Crisis and the urgent need for bold, decisive action. Her resignation must not become an excuse for delay. The new Secretary of State now bears the responsibility to continue to unlock delivery and work to win the support…
Read More
Breaking News

Halifax figures show third consecutive month of growth – Thoughts from the Industry

The latest Halifax House Price Index for August shows that: –   On a monthly basis, house prices increased by 0/3% in August. This was the third consecutive monthly increase seen. House prices were also up 2.2% on an annual basis although this annual rate of growth had cooled from the 2.5% seen in July.…
Read More
Breaking News

House prices continue to rise at a steady pace

• House prices increased by +0.3% in August, marking a third consecutive monthly rise • Average property price now £299,331, edging up to a new record high • Annual rate of growth eases slightly to +2.2% (down from +2.5% in July) • Average price paid by first-time buyers falls slightly as affordability improves • Northern…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

From offer to ownership: The risk of celebrating your mortgage too soon

Securing a mortgage is a major milestone, but celebrating too soon can lead to costly mistakes. Louise Ainley, a qualified conveyancer at licensed conveyancer course provider Access Law Online, explains the important steps to take after your mortgage is approved for new homeowners to avoid delays, protect their investment, and for a smooth transition to…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

New record rent across Great Britain as landlords brace for Renters’ Rights Bill and potential tax changes

The average advertised rent across Great Britain has risen to a new record in August of £1,577 per calendar month Average advertised rents are now 3% higher than at this time last year, in line with Rightmove’s prediction for the year, with constrained supply contributing to rising rents: The number of available homes to rent…
Read More