North Lanarkshire Council has removed four landlords from its Fit and Proper Persons’ register as they have past criminal convictions.
The move comes as a result of a partnership approach between the council’s social work services, regeneration services and the police.
The four unfit landlords let properties in the Shotts, Chapelhall, Plains and Airdrie areas of North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Councillor Helen McKenna, convener of environmental services, said: "We're one of the first councils in Scotland to use this partnership approach; sharing information, passing it on and, if appropriate, presenting a case to the council's Licensing Committee.
"There's an increase in the number of properties being privately let and we have a responsibility to ensure the tenants in these properties are protected. In North Lanarkshire we currently have around 7,500 registered private landlords and they are required to look after their properties, tenants and be fit to take on the responsibilities of a landlord.
"We're leading the way by using legislation to remove rogue landlords and will continue to crack down on those who are not fit to be a landlord."
In order to be registered by a council, each landlord must meet specific 'Fit and Proper Person' criteria, specified within legislation. If there is a concern about a landlord's ability to meet the criteria then they will be referred to the council's Fit and Proper Person Panel. This panel is chaired by the council's Environmental Health Manager and includes representation from Housing Services and Police Scotland.
Chief Superintendent Nelson Telfer, local policing commander for Lanarkshire Division, said: "The majority of landlords are law abiding and take pride in their role, some, however, are involved in serious and organised crime and are buying properties as a way to make and launder money.
"Some have convictions relating to serious violence, dishonesty, supply of drugs or sexual offences which we believe merits a partnership review to determine if they are indeed fit and proper.
"We're causing maximum disruption to those involved in antisocial behaviour as well as serious and organised crime and protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
"This is an excellent example of partnership work in action to protect communities and help keep people safe."
Comments