7^th Apr 2023

With the 50 per cent increase in enforcement charges and fines for rogue landlords and lettings agents, it is more than likely that 2023 will become the biggest year ever since records started and is near to doubling fines recorded in 2022.
 
More than six out of 10 London councils – 66 per cent – have at least an additional or selective licensing post Covid enforcement increases with more to follow suit across the capital.
 
The  geospatial technology business  claims to be the only company tracking the Mayor of London’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker and its analysis of  enforcement data finds that in the last three months alone, the combined total value of fines for landlords and lettings agents has increased by over half a million, as from December 2022 it stood at £8,157,745 and now in April it is £8,668,895.
 
The company reports that since January there has been an average increase in fines every month of over £167,000 in fines.
 
The top London council for number of enforcement cases brought forward  is Camden with close runners up of Newham and Waltham Forest.
 
However the council that remains on top for issuing the highest average value of fines at £19,800 is the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
 
The rapid rise in fines is largely  attributed to increased enforcement measures and efforts of councils across the capital. Already eight new licensing schemes have been introduced this year with at least five more planned to start over the next three months.
 
A spokesperson for the firm, says: “Every month, the company reports a new record increase in fines and enforcement seen in the private rented sector.
 
“The start of 2023 is no different with an increase of half a million pounds in fines seen in just three months suggesting that 2023 might become the biggest year on record for fines.”

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