Council launches rogue landlords taskforce after already issuing same number of enforcement notices than in previous financial year

Lewisham Council said its new Rogue Landlords Taskforce will be “intelligence-led”, using data, local intelligence and targeted inspections to identify private rented properties where landlords or other responsible people may be failing to meet their legal duties.

The council aims to focus on proactive enforcement, including inspections of licensed properties where there are concerns about compliance, suspected unlicensed properties, and areas where intelligence suggests poor housing conditions, fly-tipping or poor waste management may be linked to private rented accommodation.

Lewisham operates property licensing schemes to help regulate private rented homes, which make up a third of the borough’s housing stock, and take action where landlords fail to meet required standards.

Lewisham said it has already doubled the amount handed out in fines during the previous financial year, helped by new legislation allowing larger fines to be imposed. It said these fines now totalled £160,875 since April and it expects the new taskforce to increase the rate further.

Enforcement action could include civil penalty notices, statutory notices or prosecution "where appropriate, proportionate and supported by the evidence".

The local authority said it would use financial penalties “to help make operating as a rogue landlord a non-viable business model”.

Cllr Natalie Thomas, Lewisham’s Cabinet Member Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, said: “Improving conditions for renters in Lewisham has been one of my top priorities since I was appointed. Everyone deserves a safe, stable and decent place to live.

“Most landlords want to do the right thing, but we know there are still too many cases where tenants are being forced to live in properties that are mouldy, rat-infested or downright dangerous because their landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities.”

Cllr Thomas added: “Landlords who cut corners and break the rules should expect to be caught, but we also want this work to encourage landlords across the borough to raise their standards before enforcement action is needed. Getting fined up to £40,000 is not a good way to save money.

“By targeting rogue landlords, we can drive up standards across the private rented sector, protect residents and make sure those who break the rules are held to account.”

Harry Rodd