Should rogue landlords be prosecuted?

Posted: 09 Sep 2010 08:08:28 GMT

Rogue landlords who ignore legislation aimed at protecting tenants should be penalised, one expert has stated.

Chairman of the National Landlords Association David Salusbury said local authorities need to prosecute those who exploit their residents with sub-standard accommodation that could put lives at risk.

"Local authorities simply must do better by adopting a zero tolerance approach to those landlords who wilfully break the law," he added.

Mr Salusbury stated if proprietors who flout legislation go unchallenged it will tarnish the reputation of reputable landlords.

His comments follow the release of an investigation by housing charity Shelter, which revealed a "small but dangerous" group of property-owners are bringing the "private rented sector into disrepute".

The British Property Federation explained enforcement standards could be boosted by taking a risk-based approach to those who continually do not play by the rules, rather than splashing out on enforcement aimed at the whole landlord community.
 

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