Blacklist of Rogue Landlords to be in Operation from Autumn 2017

The Government’s blacklist of rogue landlords and letting agents will be in operation from autumn 2017, according to the Housing Minister.

Gavin Barwell was asked by Justin Tomlinson, Conservative MP for North Swindon, what progress has been made on compiling the blacklist of rogue landlords that was pledged under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Barwell responded: “The Housing and Planning Act 2016 introduced a package of measures to help local authorities crack down on rogue landlords, including a database of rogue landlords and property agents. The database is currently being developed and we expect it to become operational in autumn 2017.”

Tomlinson then questioned Barwell over what he is doing to “strengthen the protections afforded to private rent tenants under section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972”.

Barwell explained: “All homes should be of a reasonable standard and all tenants should have a safe place to live regardless of tenure. Under the Housing Act 2004 and following an inspection under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the local authority can serve a notice on the landlord to require improvements to a property.

“We have strengthened these measures through the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to take action against rogue landlords. These include a database of rogue landlords and property managers, banning orders, civil penalties of up to £30,000, and extended rent repayment orders.”

Alongside the blacklist of rogue landlords, all those renting out property in the UK should be aware of further measures introduced through the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

We have called on a legal expert to explain how each of the forthcoming measures will affect those in the lettings sector. Read more: /landlords-ready-housing-planning-act-2016/

We will keep you updated with any further announcements regarding the introduction of the blacklist of rogue landlords.

You must also be aware that from 1^st December 2016, failure to comply with the Right to Rent scheme will be a criminal offence.