A new call from the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has urged councils to do more to protect private tenants from rogue landlords providing them with sub-standard accommodation.
This call comes after a Citizens Advice report yesterday that revealed that whilst the majority of buy-to-let investors respond to issues quickly, some are taking too long to rectify problems.
Rooting out rogues
There are currently over 140 Acts of Parliament, with more than 400 regulations, affecting the private rental sector. As such, the RLA is urging councils to utilise these extensive powers to identify and remove rogues.
Last year, a RLA Freedom of Information request saw responses from 237 councils in England and Wales. 126 said they had brought no prosecutions against landlords between 2011 and 2014.
RLA calls for better tenant protection
Alan Ward, Chairman of the RLA, noted: ‘Every tenant has the right to expect a safe, legal and secure home. Whilst the majority of landlords provide a good service to their tenants, there are a minority who do not and who have no place in a modern rental sector.’[1]
‘Councils have the powers to do something about them. What is needed is a greater will to use these powers to root out the criminal landlords once and for all,’ Mr Ward added.[1]
[1] https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2017/1/tenants-need-better-protection-says-trade-body-for-landlords