Local Councillor calls for more powers against rogue landlords

A Plymouth Councillor is calling for local MPs to support further changes to the law that would improve safety and quality in homes in the private rented sector.

The Government has recently consulted on potential changes to legislation with proposals that: tackle landlords that evict their tenants in response to a request for repairs; require landlords to repay rent they have let a property that contains serious hazards or have illegally evicted a tenant; and identify the need for various safety measures in rented homes, such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and regular electrical checks.

Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Community Development, Councillor Chris Penberthy, said: “I fully support the proposals that the Government have put forward to help tackle rogue landlords but they do not go far enough in tackling the real problems in this growing sector.

“The private rented sector now accounts for more than 20 per cent of the housing stock in Plymouth and its poor condition and lack of affordability have been highlighted as key challenges by a recent report from the Plymouth Fairness Commission.

He added: “The Government needs to go further and introduce more measures such as introducing a mandatory national register of all landlords, allowing Councils to operate a fixed penalty scheme for breaches of housing legislation to enable swift action to be taken and establish guidelines that sets out an acceptable standard of living – to ensure both landlords and tenants understand what is required.

“I have asked the local MPs to join me in lobbying the Government on these changes.”