Redbridge council in east London has undertaken its toughest ever clampdown on buy to let, visiting 171 properties in a week.

The visits, all in Ilford, were to make sure privately rented properties were safe and residents were happy with their accommodation. 

It also gave residents an opportunity to have their say about the state of their properties and their relationship with landlords.

This was the highest ever number of inspections of privately rented accommodation in the borough undertaken within a single week.

Of the 171 properties, the team identified 41 that were operating without the necessary licence and enforcement action is now being taken against the landlord and managing agents.

A further 22 properties were referred to the planning department as illegal conversations,  and there was one serious health and safety risk. 

As part of their visits, the officers provided properties with smoke detectors on the spot. Issues such as damp, mould and other disrepair where landlords failed to carry out remedial action with a reasonable timeframe were also investigated.

Council spokesperson Khayer Chowdhury says: “We’re determined to drive up standards in the private rented sector across the borough. We see too many privately rented homes with unacceptable living conditions and unscrupulous landlords not meeting their basic responsibilities. If you rent your home, and something is clearly not right or your landlord is operating without a licence, please report it to us.”

This year Redbridge council had already issued 21 penalty notices totalling £34,500 worth of fines to landlords for breaking the law.