New powers allow council to crack down on rogue landlords
New powers are being handed to councils to tackle rogue landlords, with Telford & Wrekin among the 38 areas selected for the scheme. The move allows the local authority to access Universal Credit data to force bad landlords to repay up to two years of rent.
The trial expansion, led by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to protect taxpayers and improve housing standards. Telford joins Shropshire, Coventry, and Bromsgrove in the West Midlands group receiving these powers.
Under the Renters’ Right Act, the amount councils can claim back through Rent Repayment Orders has doubled. Landlords could be forced to pay back 24 months of rent if they ignore legal standards.
These orders target those who run properties without a licence or ignore notices to fix mouldy conditions. The council says most landlords provide safe housing but some deliberately ignore the law.
Telford & Wrekin Council stated they are committed to ensuring tenants live in safe housing without fear of harassment or eviction. Telford & Wrekin Council’s website says the majority of landlords “provide safe and suitable housing for their tenants; however there are some landlords and letting agents who will deliberately ignore the law and avoid their legal responsibilities”.
It adds: “Telford & Wrekin Council are committed to ensuring that all tenants in the borough are living in safe and secure housing that is suitable for their needs, without fear of eviction or harassment from their landlord/letting agent.”
Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security, said: “We are giving local authorities the tools they need to deter bad housing practice, and ensuring better value for money by upholding safe standards.”
A spokesperson for Justice for Tenants called the pilot a “win for all law-abiding landlords” and taxpayers.
