Council officers patrolled the streets of north London son over the weekend to identify and take action against unlicensed landlords.

The law states that every landlord who rents out a property in Brent must have a licence, except for properties located in Wembley Park. 

Council officers went door-to-door across targeted areas, checking whether properties were free from serious health or safety hazards and taking enforcement action against unlicensed landlords.

“This law exists to protect people from landlords who put them at risk by ignoring safety standards, cramming too many people into one home, or failing to carry out essential repairs” says Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson,responsible for housing in the borough.

“Every landlord in Brent is legally required to have a licence to rent out their property. This law exists to protect people from landlords who put them at risk by ignoring safety standards, cramming too many people into one home, or failing to carry out essential repairs. 

“We know that poor housing conditions can be extremely stressful and harmful to people’s health and wellbeing. No one should have to live in damp, overcrowded, or dangerous conditions while their landlord looks the other way. 

“That’s why we’re using targeted intelligence to focus our patrols on streets where we suspect landlords are renting without a licence. This is about protecting our residents and making sure landlords take their responsibilities seriously. 

“Responsible landlords play a vital role in providing quality homes and helping to ease the housing crisis – we won’t let rogue landlords ruin the reputation of those doing the right thing. 

“If you’re a landlord in Brent and you’re breaking the law, we will find you and you will face prosecution and hefty fines.” 

Earlier this month two brothers were fined £20,000 and put on the rogue landlord database after failing to get licensed as landlords. 

Officers found 15 people crammed into a seven-bedroom property when they turned up at the home in Ilmington Road, Kenton, following a tip-off from a neighbour.