Redbridge’s rogue landlords to face full weight of the law

Landlords who endanger their tenants’ lives or fail to comply with council orders could face stiff civil penalties, banning orders, and even having to repay rent they have earned.

New powers agreed by cabinet on Tuesday, September 5 now allow council officers to issue financial penalties for some housing offences such as failing to license or properly manage a house in multiple occupation.

Cabinet was also informed of new banning orders due to come into force later this year which prevents those issued with an order from letting any house, engaging in letting agency work or engaging in property management work.

Rogue landlords will also be put on a register which will be accessible to all councils so that they cannot start their bad practices somewhere else.

Councillor Farah Hussain, cabinet member for housing, said: “The financial penalties range from £500 for not fitting or maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, to £30,000 for serious health and safety breaches that directly threaten tenants’ lives or failing to apply for a property licence. We welcome this new legislation which will give us the powers to drive criminal landlords from this borough.

“We will now plan days of action targeting specific areas, carrying out random checks as well as working on intelligence from partner organisations and from tenants themselves to unearth those landlords who ignore the rules.

“The message is clear, keep your property in good condition, respect your tenants’ rights and don’t break the law.”

All houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the borough need to be licensed as well as all single household rented properties in Valentines and Clementswood wards.

The electronic form can be found at www.redbridge.gov.uk/housing/private-rentals/licences-to-rent-out-properties/ or email PRSLicensing@redbridge.gov.uk for further information.