Local authorities given more powers when dealing with rogue landlords
Announcement today from Department for Communities and Local Government and Gavin Barwell MP.
New rules which come into force from today (6 April 2017) will help crackdown on rogue landlords that flout the rules and improve safety and affordability for renters. Announcing the measures, Housing Minister Gavin Barwell confirmed the powers will give local authorities the tools to crack down on rogue landlords who shirk their responsibilities.
The new rules give Local Authorities the power to impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 for various offences instead of bringing a prosecution. They will be able to retain all of the income to make sure it is used for private sector housing enforcement purposes.
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”.
Read the announcement on the Gov.UK website in full click here.