Councils given stronger powers to crack down on private landlords

The government has handed local authorities greater powers to compel private landlords to sign up to licensing schemes.

Instead of having to obtain permission from central government first, councils will now be able to introduce licensing independently so long as they meet prescribed criteria.

The Department for Communities and Local Government will also provide funding for a dedicated team at the Local Authority Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) to support councils in meeting the requirements.

The move is part of a range of measures that include a commitment for new rights to a written tenancy agreement, a new national register of landlords and regulation of letting and managing agents.

The government has also unveiled plans for a helpline that will give free and impartial advice to tenants in the private sector, and a ‘Trip-adviser’ style website where current tenants give feedback on their landlords.

Housing Minister John Healey said the aim was to tackle sub-standard accommodation and to crack down on the worst landlords. He added: “It is only right that tenants renting privately should expect good quality accommodation and professional landlords. But too often they can find themselves in difficult circumstances with little help on hand.”