Bury Council has been given Government funds to help it target rogue landlords and improve safety standards in the PRS.

The Council’s Clare Cummins (pictured) is warning landlords and lettings agent to ensure properties are safe, decent and have the mandatory gas and electrical safety checks and certificates.

The initiative is part of the  Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Pathfinder project which is being taken up by councils across the country.

Poor quality

It provides financial support to local authorities to tackle poor quality private rented sector properties in the most deprived areas, with a particular focus on raising the profile of enforcement.

Bury says landlords can be fined up to £30,000 for rule breaches. So far, it has resulted in two private landlords being hit with £10,000 and £23,000 penalties, with the larger fine for an unsafe electrical installation which posed a risk of fatal electrocution for both tenants and visitors to the property.

A small number of unscrupulous landlords fail to maintain properties or carry out essential safety checks such as electrical and gas.”

Cummins, who is the Council’s cabinet member for housing services, said: “The vast majority of landlords provide safe and decent accommodation for Bury tenants. However, a small number of unscrupulous landlords fail to maintain properties or carry out essential safety checks such as electrical and gas.

“Some also let properties with serious hazards which could put tenants’ health and safety at risk. We will not hesitate to take action against landlords who do not co-operate in bringing these homes up to standard, using these tough new civil penalties of up to £30,000 where appropriate.”