The council is committed to improving the housing standards within West Lindsey and ensuring that properties within the private rented sector are well managed, free from hazards and safe for those that occupy them. Following on from this West Lindsey recognises that the majority of landlords operate in a legal and professional manner and work to ensure that their properties meet the required standards.
However, there are criminal and irresponsible landlords who poorly manage and maintain property and in some cases knowingly flout the regulations and laws that they are due to abide by. The Government is continuing in its efforts to crack down on rogue landlords and the measures within the Housing and Planning Act 2016 have been put in place to enable local authorities to enhance their abilities to deal with them. Within the Act the following provisions have been made:
- Civil penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for certain offences (came into force on 6 April 2017)
- Extension of rent repayment orders to cover illegal eviction, breach of a banning order, failure to comply with an improvement notice and certain other specified offences (came into force on 6 April 2017)
- Database of rogue landlords and property agents who have been convicted of certain offences or received multiple civil penalties banning orders for the most serious and prolific offenders
In order for the council to issue civil penalties it must have a policy in place. Attached to this page is our draft policy on this subject which was consulted on. This consultation is currently being analysed and passed to committee for a decision to be made.
Many thanks to all that took part.