Green Party-controlled local authority launches Rogue Landlords Taskforce

Lewisham Council has launched a new intelligence-led taskforce to tackle rogue landlords with fines of up to £40,000.

The local authority’s new Rogue Landlords Taskforce will use data, local intelligence and targeted inspections to identify private rented properties where landlords or other responsible people may be failing to meet their legal duties.

For the first time in the borough the taskforce will focus on proactive enforcement, including inspections of licensed properties where there are concerns about compliance, suspected unlicensed properties, and areas where intelligence suggests poor housing conditions, fly-tipping or poor waste management may be linked to private rented accommodation.

The Council said it already operates property licensing schemes to help regulate private rented homes and take action where landlords fail to meet required standards.

“Landlords who cut corners and break the rules should expect to be caught.”

So far this financial year, Lewisham Council has issued 153 enforcement notices – almost as many as in the whole of the previous year when it was 155.

The Renters’ Rights Act now also lets local authorities issue higher fines and the council said it has issued £160,875 worth since April – more than double the amount issued during the previous 12 months. The new taskforce is expected to increase the rate further.

Income from financial penalties is ringfenced for the council’s private rented sector enforcement work, helping to fund further private sector housing investigations and enforcement.

The taskforce will prioritise wards where data suggests there is a higher likelihood of non-compliance, including areas with suspected unlicensed properties or a history of enforcement action.

Enforcement action could include civil penalty notices, statutory notices or prosecution where appropriate, proportionate and supported by the evidence.

Making landlords do the right thing

Councillor Natalie Thomas (pictured), Cabinet Member Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, says: “Improving conditions for renters in Lewisham has been one of my top priorities since I was appointed.

“Everyone deserves a safe, stable and decent place to live. Most landlords want to do the right thing, but we know there are still too many cases where tenants are being forced to live in properties that are mouldy, rat-infested or downright dangerous because their landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities.

“Landlords who cut corners and break the rules should expect to be caught, but we also want this work to encourage landlords across the borough to raise their standards before enforcement action is needed. Getting fined up to £40,000 is not a good way to save money.

“By targeting rogue landlords, we can drive up standards across the private rented sector, protect residents and make sure those who break the rules are held to account.”