Just hours after the Renters Rights Act became law, the government handed councils sweeping new powers to crack down on rogue landlords and agents. 

From December 27, local authorities will be able to enter business premises—like letting agencies—and seize documents, often without needing a warrant. Homes are off-limits, but the message is clear: enforcement is about to get serious.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government statement says: “Some of these investigatory powers can be used to support local housing authority investigations relating to illegal eviction, poor housing conditions and other housing legislation where they apply to relevant accommodation.    

“These powers can support your investigations, and in certain situations, include the ability to: 

• enter a business property to seize documents;

• ask people or organisations for information;

• enter a residential property if you are specially authorised.”

The new rules spell out exactly when and how councils can enter the offices of letting agents which states:

“The Renters Rights Act contains powers to enter a rental sector business premises with, and without, a warrant under sections 118 and 121 respectively. You can enter a business premises at a reasonable time to request documents and or to seize evidence if you reasonably believe a relevant person is running a rental sector business there.”

Another section spells out what councils can do once inside an agency’s office, with or without a warrant, it states :“You have the power to seize and detain documents if you have a reasonable suspicion that they may be required as evidence in proceedings for a breach or offence under the rented accommodation legislation.  

“If there are people on the premises, before you seize documents, you must show at least one person proof of your identity and authority. However, if it is not reasonably practicable to do so, you do not need to.”