A London council has launched what it calls “an intelligence-led taskforce to tackle non-compliant landlords, improve standards in the private rented sector and protect residents from unsafe housing conditions.” 

The new Lewisham Rogue Landlords Taskforce will use data, local intelligence and targeted inspections to identify private rented properties where landlords or other responsible people may be failing to meet their legal duties. 

For the first time in the borough the taskforce will focus on proactive enforcement, including inspections of licensed properties where there are concerns about compliance, suspected unlicensed properties, and areas where intelligence suggests poor housing conditions, fly-tipping or poor waste management may be linked to private rented accommodation.

Lewisham has a large private rented sector, with privately rented homes making up around a third of the borough’s housing stock. 

The council already operates property licensing schemes to help regulate private rented homes and take action where landlords fail to meet required standards. 

So far this financial year, Lewisham council has issued 153 enforcement notices – almost as many as in the whole of the previous year (155). 

A statement says: “New legislation has allowed us to impose larger fines, totalling £160,875 since April – more than double the amount issued during the previous 12 months. And we expect the new taskforce to increase the rate further. 

“The taskforce will prioritise wards where data suggests there is a higher likelihood of non-compliance, including areas with suspected unlicensed properties or a history of enforcement action. 

“Enforcement action could include civil penalty notices, statutory notices or prosecution where appropriate, proportionate and supported by the evidence. The council will use financial penalties to help make operating as a rogue landlord a non-viable business model.” 

The council claims it “will continue to support good landlords who meet their responsibilities” although the latest statement does not explain what form this support takes.