Rogue landlords who create portfolios of overcrowded, unregulated and unsafe properties - including the infamous beds in sheds - now face a more coordinated investigation of their crimes in London.
The London councils in Hounslow, Hillingdon and Ealing, working with the local authority in Slough and backed with government money, are working together to untangle the webs of family and company-owned properties used by so-called portfolio criminal landlords.
The new approach will target the individuals who ultimately control the networks of properties, rather than dealing with properties on an individual basis. A statement from the authorities says these properties can be dangerous and affected by issues including unsanitary conditions and unregulated fire hazards.
By focusing on those who control a network of properties, the London councils aim to potentially dismantle their portfolios and deter others from breaking the law.
Hounslow council leader Steve Curran says: “We’ve seen how complex and underhand these individuals can be in disguising their holdings – working with our partners we can bring to light the full extent of their offences and prosecute them. We hope other councils can learn from our approach.”
Want to comment on this story? Our focus is on providing a platform for you to share your insights and views and we welcome contributions.
If any post is considered to victimise, harass, degrade or intimidate an individual or group of individuals, then the post may be deleted and the individual immediately banned from posting in future.
Please help us by reporting comments you consider to be unduly offensive so we can review and take action if necessary. Thank you.
.png)
Join the conversation
Jump to latest comment and add your reply
This is a welcome development against those sharks. About time, I say.
Please login to comment