Landlords Get to See How Councils Enforce Housing Law

Housing Minister Heather Wheeler has lifted the lid on how councils should tackle poor standards in rented homes with the launch of a rogue landlord toolkit.  

The toolkit includes a manual crammed with guidance for council enforcement officers and online learning about housing law - and lifts a veil on how councils approach enforcement for landlords. 

The minister says the toolkit adds a continuing government crackdown against bad landlords who exploit tenants for their gain. 

The guidance tells councils how to gather intelligence about private rented homes and analyse the data to track down bad landlords.

“This package of support for those working on the frontline of the private rented sector will ensure they are fully equipped to make use of any new powers which can improve the lives of tenants trapped in poor quality accommodation,” said Wheeler. 

“This, along with our further guidance for tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities, builds on the ongoing work which sets out to make renting fairer and more accessible for all whilst also ensuring that everyone has a home which is safe and secure.”

The minister also published a guide to private tenants' and landlords' rights and responsibilities to each other. 

The guide builds on the How to Rent and How to Let advice already available online.

“The government is committed to making sure everyone who rents can have a safe, secure, warm and dry place they call home. This guide is just one way in which we have boosted support for landlords, tenants and local authorities to set and maintain high standards in private rental properties,” said the minister.

Download the Rogue Landlord Enforcement - Guidance for Local Authorities 

Download the guide for private sector tenants and landlords

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Duties on the Manager of an HMO

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