UK government crackdown on rogue landlords

A recent UK government announcement has set aside £3 million to tackle rogue landlords who place tenants in overcrowded or poorly maintained accommodation. This is an indication of the serious nature of the growing problem in the private rented sector, it is claimed.

Poor living conditions have a major impact on tenants and on the local community. In some parts of the UK, there are acute problems with clusters of very poor quality properties, which are often associated with wider problems such as illegal working, anti-social behaviour and even illegal immigration.

According to Pat Barber, chairman of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), a small number of rogue landlords are putting lives at risk and causing problems for local communities.

‘Over the last 12 months, we have seen a rise in the number of properties owned by irresponsible landlords. Overcrowding inevitably causes dangerous health and safety issues,’ she said.

She gave one recent example where a landlord had rented a three bed-roomed town flat as a company let to the owner of a restaurant. ‘In a short space of time, no less than 17 people were living in there with the landlord’s full knowledge and consent. This only came to light when the letting agent had cause to visit the property after a complaint from a neighbour,’ explained Barber.

‘The living conditions were not only cramped but also very dangerous. Escape routes were blocked with rubbish and every available room was being used as a bedroom with furniture piled high across the fire-exits and windows,’ she added.

She pointed out that the key problem is that there is a growing shortage of affordable accommodation in some parts of the UK, with some tenants lacking references – they are forced to live in small, low costing accommodation.

‘Recent researches by Tenant’s Voice shows that 37% of tenants would not rent another property from their current agent or landlords and 46%, have had deposit disputes,’ said Barber.

‘Nearly 40% of tenants said properties were generally tied and in need of updating and a further 17% said they were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the overall condition of the properties they had rented. The government, local authorities, communities and the industry need to work together to remove rogue landlords from the market,’ she added.

The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks said that it is committed to excellence and professionalism in the property inventory process and works hard to ensure that all landlords, tenants and letting agents understand the importance and benefits of professionally completed property inventories.

Gaurav Ahluwalia

www.discountlandlord.co.uk

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