Consultation shows strong support for lettings sector 'banning orders'

Figures released by the government show huge support for the extension of the offences under which agents and landlords may in future be subject to banning orders.

Yesterday we revealed that the government was to extend the provision of such orders not only to agents and landlords who committed obviously-relevant offences regarding housing, but also to those guilty of offences as diverse as stalking and burglary.

Now the government has released the results of its consultation on the subject.

They show:

- of 223 responses to the consultation, some 84 per cent backed banning orders for landlords and agents who were found guilty of relevant housing offences;

- some 68 per cent backed banning orders for those guilty of immigration offences;

- 89 per cent supported banning orders for those guilty of any offence involving fraud under the Fraud Act 2006;

- 87 per cent were in favour of banning orders if found guilty of the production, possession or supply of all classes of illegal drugs or poisons;

- 90 per cent wanted banning orders for those found guilty under Schedule 15 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (specified violent and sexual offences).

In addition - and for those who missed yesterday’s announcement - housing minister Alok Sharma has set out how, subject to parliamentary clearance, landlords renting properties in England occupied by five or more people, from two or more separate households will need to be licensed.

The move, affecting around 160,000 houses, will mean councils can take further action to crack down on those letting sub-standard and overcrowded homes.

The government claims these latest measures build on previous actions to drive up safety and standards in the private rented sector. 

This includes bringing in fines of up to £30,000 for dodgy landlords, protections for tenants from revenge evictions and £12 million funding for councils to take enforcement action in hotspot areas.

Sharma says: “Every tenant has a right to a safe, secure and decent home. But far too many are being exploited by unscrupulous landlords who profit from providing overcrowded, squalid and sometimes dangerous homes. Enough is enough and so I’m putting these rogue landlords on notice - shape up or ship out of the rental business.”