17th
Feb 2025
Reforming the private rented sector hinges on implementing a robust plan to enforce actions against rogue and criminal landlords, or it is at risk.
That's the cautionary message from the organization representing responsible landlords, as members of the House of Lords prepare to discuss the specifics of the Renters' Rights Bill.
In a report which was released at the end of last week (14th Feb), a trade association highlights the existing pressures on councils, even before the Bill is put into effect.
Freedom of Information Act data shows that between 2021 and 2023, less than half of the fines imposed on rogue landlords in England were actually collected. Furthermore, 49% of English councils failed to issue any fines to rogue landlords during this time frame.
The introduction of the Renters' Rights Bill coincides with a critical situation in which one in four councils in England are considering applying for emergency Government bailouts to avoid bankruptcy.
Councils are facing increased expectations to take on additional responsibilities, despite already grappling with the effects of organisational reforms, the pressure to accelerate housing construction, and the ongoing challenges within the adult social care system.
The trade association cautions that councils may lack the necessary time, focus, and resources to enforce the Renters' Rights Bill and address the issues posed by a minority of landlords who tarnish the sector's reputation.
To tackle these issues, the trade association suggests the government should adopt these four measures:
- To publish a full assessment of the resources local authority enforcement teams currently have, and will need, to enforce what is proposed in the Renters’ Rights Bill;
- Councils to be required to publish an annual report on enforcement activity related to the private rented sector;
- Measures to prevent duplication of efforts between the planned database of private sector landlords and properties and local landlord licensing schemes;
- The development of a new national post of Chief Environmental Health Officer to champion better enforcement.
A spokesperson for the trade associations, says: “For too long the vast majority of decent, responsible landlords have been tarnished by the actions of a minority of rogue operators failing to provide good enough housing.
“If planned reforms are to work, councils need to up their game at finding and rooting out those who have no place renting property out and making it easier for the law-abiding majority providing decent and safe homes.
“Our report today suggests local authorities will struggle to enforce much of what is in the Renters’ Rights Bill. Without further action, the only winners from all this will be the minority of unscrupulous landlords.”
News Archive »