Rogue landlords are warned by MP as councils share £2m
BURTON and South Derbyshire authorities are to receive a share of £2 million to tackle rogue landlords who leave tenants to live in poor conditions.
In her role as Housing Minister, South Derbyshire Tory MP Heather Wheeler has issued a warning to homeowners across the country looking to rent out their properties.
Local councils, including East Staffordshire Borough Council, South Derbyshire District Council and North West Leicestershire District Council, will all be in line for a part of the £2 million pot to protect rents and increase the standards expected in properties.
Councils are able to force landlords to make necessary improvements, through the use of fines and banning orders to stop the provision of poor quality homes. According to Mrs Wheeler, the majority of landlords do provide decent homes for their tenants. However, a small minority continue to break the law.
She said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe and secure, and it is vital we crack down on the small minority of landlords who are not giving their tenants this security.
“This funding will help further strengthen councils’ powers to tackle rogue landlords and ensure that poor quality homes in their area are improved.”
A series of projects may be implemented, aiming to build relationships with emergency services, legal services and housing advocates.
Councils may also decide to support tenants to take action against poor standards through rent repayment orders, or develop digital solutions, helping officers to report back and make decisions quicker.
The money will also be used to develop best practice of enforcement action among councils, sharing examples of innovative approaches.