A London borough council has revealed the number of cases it has taken against private landlords since the start of 2021 - and how much it’s recouped through fines.
The London borough of Redbridge says disrepair, electrical hazards, blocked fire escape routes, unsafe stairwell for children and lack of fire precautions have been just a few of the hazards enforcement officers have encountered with landlords operating without a property licence.
Since January 2021 it’s issued 38 civil penalty fines to rogue landlords for health and safety hazard offences associated with a range of issues relating to disrepair, inadequate fire protection, overcrowding and poorly managed waste arrangements: these notices have been slapped on 12 landlords operating without a licence.
It has resulted in estimated fines totalling over £170,000.
The council claims to have seen an increase in poor housing conditions, fly tipping and anti-social behaviour in the local community.
In a statement it says: “By licensing [landlords] we are ensuring that landlords comply with the Housing Act 2004 Part 2 and 3 and provide decent homes for tenants in the private rental sector. Property licensing has been proven to drive up the living standards for tenants in the private rental sector.”
A council spokesperson adds: “The licensing of properties plays a major role in helping to improve the quality of homes the private rental sector. Most of our landlords are following the rules, but for those that aren’t, we encourage you to come forward and license your property to avoid receiving a potential fine”.
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The offending rogue landlords did not have a license so how can they argue that the licence improves standards, oh and Council revenue
I was thinking that as well. I suppose the council will say 'See, if you don't have a licence you will be fined'
38 Fines - wonder how many of Redbridge's properties would fail an inspection ?
But who's going 'police' the Housing Police - certainly can't look to the Housing and Social Care Ombudsman ( Chocolate Tea-pot comes to mind )
Proof if ever needed that licensing makes no difference at all. The councils have more than enough legislation to prosecute landlords who don't follow the rules without the cash cow of licensing.
Who blocked the fire escapes.
No prize for guessing that one
9 MONTHS to ONE YEAR for a Possession Process
(appears all tenants are given 5 months more, to appeal, if they ask)
COURT SAYS IT AIMS TO OPEN AN EMAIL
OR LETTER WITHIN 80 DAYS
(delay increasing)
GET OUT : BEFORE THEY REALLY START TO HURT LANDLORDS
DON'T MOAN LATER... 'THE WRITING WASN'T ON THE WALL'
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