Stronger penalties for Rogue Landlords

September 21, 2015

Landlords who flout the rules and who rent out substandard and dangerous accommodation should face stiffer penalties, at present Landlords can only be jailed if convicted of illegally evicting a tenant, this should be extended  to landlords who take advantage of vunerable tenants in a serious manner.

The Local Government Association (LGA) have appealed for tougher penalties for rogue landlords who rent out dangerous properties, harsher penalties should be considered including a prison term where appropriate.

A case in Coventry resulted in a landlord receiving a fine of just £100 for offenses including unsatisfactory fire precautions being in place for the safety of the tenants. Another case in Wolverhampton where a landlord was fined only £2,600 after letting out a house with 11 serious contraventions. Richard Lambert, head of the National Landlords Association, reportedly said landlords viewed the current fines, usually £1,500 to  £5,000, as an “occupational hazard”.

It is clear that  there should be tighter controls over landlord licences, landlords need to know that there are serious consequences to their actions if they  put tenants lives at risk.

 

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.

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