New funding for government crackdown on buy to let ro...

Local authorities across the UK are to get another £2m to crack down on rogue operators in the buy to let sector.

The new funding was announced this morning by the government.

It says that whilst the majority of buy to let properties are decent homes, a small minority of landlords “continue to break the law and offer inadequate or unsafe housing – including to young families and others who are vulnerable to exploitation.”

Councils will be able to bid for funding to step up enforcement action against irresponsible landlords.

Housing Minister Heather Wheeler says: “It is vital we crack down on the small minority of landlords who are not giving their tenants this security. This funding will help further strengthen councils’ powers to tackle rogue landlords and ensure that poor-quality homes in their area are improved, making the housing market fairer for everyone.”

The government says the new funding will be used to support a range of projects that councils have said will help them to ramp up action against criminal operators in the private rental sector – for example, to build relationships with external organisations such as the emergency services, legal services and local housing advocates.

“Councils may also decide to support tenants to take action against poor standards through rent repayment orders, or develop digital solutions, helping officers to report back and make decisions quicker” says the government.

“The money will also be used to encourage councils to share best practice of enforcement action and examples of innovative approaches that are self-sustaining and can be easily adapted to other parts of the country.”