The Local Government Association (LGA) is demanding that councils are given greater powers to crackdown the apparent increase of rogue landlords who make their tenants' lives hell by having to live in run down accommodation.

The LGA which represents 400 councils throughout England and Wales does appreciate that councils work alongside good landlords, however there is seen to be a growing number of rogue landlords.

 

Although these are very much in the minority the association is calling that more money should be released from the government coffers to crackdown on the rogue landlords.

They say that local authorities are  finding it difficult to set up licensing schemes which do tackle the rogue problem. However selective licensing can only be implemented if there are ongoing anti-social behavioural problems and or a low demand for housing.

The LGA calls for the government to include areas throughout England and Wales that has poorly managed properties and homes in a bad state of disrepair.

Housing minister Kris Hopkins MP says that the councils have already been supported in the fight against rogue landlords by the government with greater powers. They have been granted rights to inspect properties, give notice of improvements that must be adhered to and stronger prosecution powers.

Mr. Hopkins said: “We’ve told councils what they are and they should get on and use them,

 

“We have also provided over £6m to help local authorities root out the cowboys, meaning more than 950 overcrowded properties or illegal commercial conversions have been uncovered so far,

“But the last thing we would do is introduce more red tape and bureaucracy. Requiring every single landlord to pay for a state licence from their town hall would penalise good landlords, forcing up rents and reducing choice for tenants.”

He also finished by saying that the DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government) had already sent out a guide to the councils to inform them about the full use of litigation procedures at their disposal, and starting from June fines will not be governed by limits.

Government statistics show that in England there are 5 million homes that are not of a decent standard and just under a third of these are rented privately.

Councillor Mike Jones, chairman of the LGA's Environment and Housing Board, said: “Criminal landlords are damaging the reputation of the private rented sector. Councils are doing everything they can to support and protect tenants against rogue landlords, particularly at a time when ever-increasing numbers of young professionals and families are renting.

“One way for councils to address this growing problem is to introduce private property licensing schemes. The current system undermines the good work they are doing by limiting councils' ability to stamp out poor quality and dangerous property conditions. This is why we are calling for it to be overhauled."