Rogue landlords should have properties taken away from them say MPs
The group of MPs want councils to be given the power to seize the properties of the "worst" landlords when accommodation fails to meet legal standards
ROGUE landlords who break the law and exploit vulnerable tenants should have their properties confiscated, a group of MPs have said.
Councils should be given powers to seize the properties of the "worst" landlords when accommodation fails to meet proper legal standards, according to the report by the the housing, communities and local government committee.
The committee has called out a "clear power imbalance" in parts of the private rental sector, and feel that landlords should face tougher punishment when they commit offences.
MPs have also called for greater protection for tenants who are living in poor conditions, like with mould or faulty wiring, who feel like they can't complain to their landlord because they're scared of "retaliatory" action.
Currently, rogue landlords face civil penalties and a fine for offences, but sometimes the fines issued by the courts are often too small to even make the prosecution worthwhile.
In the case of the "most egregious offences", where landlords relied on exploiting vulnerable tenants, it said councils should be able to confiscate their properties.
Committee chairman Clive Betts said: "The imbalance in power in the private rented sector means vulnerable tenants often lack protection from unscrupulous landlords who can threaten them with retaliatory rent rises and eviction if they complain about unacceptable conditions in their homes.
"Stronger powers, harsher fines and a new commitment to cracking down on unscrupulous practices will go some way towards re balancing the sector and protecting the many thousands of vulnerable residents who have been abused and harassed by a landlord."
What is the section 21 rule and what are your rights as a renter
THE law - known as Section 21 - means a landlord can ask you to move out with two months notice, without needing a particular reason.
- The first step of every procedure is the section 21 notice - a letter of notification that the landlord must serve to the tenant, prior to the eviction. The notice to quit is purely informational and doesn’t carry any legal power.
- If you’ve got a good relationship with your landlord, it might be worth asking them if you can stay in your home for longer. Send a letter to your landlord explaining your situation and keep a copy of any reply you get.
- Your landlord can’t make you leave your home unless they’ve gone to court to get a possession order and a warrant for eviction.
- You might be able to challenge your eviction and stay in your home.
- A section 8 notice can require you to move sooner, but can only be served if the landlord has a reason, such as you breaking the terms of your tenancy.
- New rules introduced in October 2015 have made it harder to evict you for reporting problems with the property.
- If you’re asked to leave because you’ve asked for repairs then you should see advice immediately.
- You can find more tips on how to challenge your eviction on .
Alan Ward, Chair of the Residential Landlords Association, said that it is "vital" for ministers to adopt the recommendations.
He said: "The problem is that over-stretched councils simply do not have the resources to properly use such powers to protect tenants from the minority of landlords who are criminals and have no place in the sector.
"We therefore welcome calls by the Committee for greater resources for local authorities and greater political leadership by them to root out criminal landlords."
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