Government announces crackdown on law-breaking landlords

Tuesday 1st May 2012

The Government has announced plans to crack down on so-called ‘beds in sheds’, whereby garden sheds are let out, usually to migrants who have to pay high rents and endure appalling conditions.

Housing minister Grant Shapps and immigration minister Damian Green have launched a task force to tackle the problem and have vowed to take action against criminal landlords and illegal immigrants.

The proposals include encouraging local councils to make greater use of their existing powers, whether on planning, fire safety or environmental health grounds; get councils and police to share intelligence; help immigrants who want to return home to do so; and prevent more ‘beds in sheds’ from being created.

The National Landlords Association said it welcomed the moves.

Richard Lambert, NLA chief executive, said: “The NLA welcomes the Government putting pressure on local authorities to crack down on rogue operators who blight the private rented sector.
 
“It is important that Government departments work together to target criminal behaviour, as this problem extends beyond the provision of housing.
 
“These are criminals who seize the opportunity to exploit vulnerable people.”