A part of the Queen's speech that had little media coverage was the announcing of new legislation that affects the private rented sector.

Those landlords who think or suspect that their tenants are using the rented properties for criminal activates and do not tell the police will be prosecuted.

The exact phrasing of the new offence is 'Participating in an organised crime group', those landlords found guilty could face up to five years in prison. This does not only apply to landlords it is also for any professional that suspects crime and fails to report it to the police.

When this legislation is passed it will mean that lawyers and other professionals will now have to be candid about any suspected criminal activity that they hear about, and must pass on the information to the police. or face a penal sentence.

The major concern for landlords is that the defence in court of not being aware of what was happening in their property or professional capacity, will be shot down in flames along with a "no questions asked" attitude. The legislation will state that landlords and professionals will be responsible to make themselves aware of all types of criminal activity operated within "their professional environment" otherwise they should expect to face a custodial sentence.