Shelter still needs help with its “Evict Rogue Landlords campaign”. The purpose of this campaign is to encourage the government, to produce a clear plan to tackle rogue landlords by ensuring that all local authorities sign up to a minimum standard accreditation scheme for private landlords to show their commitment to their tenants.
Shelter have made what might be considered an amusing video if it didn’t have such a ring of truth about it. You can watch the video entitled Sean Lock: Rogue Landlord | Shelter here.
The campaign has achieved significant success in that so far over 100 local authorities have signed up in support of the campaign promising to take positive action within their communities. However, Shelter wants all councils to take action against rogue landlords and needs more support for the campaign. So we are inviting all visitors to and members of The Tenants’ Voice to sign the Shelter petition.
What is the problem?
During the last ten years there has been an enormous increase in the amount of people who rent from private landlords and Shelter believes that this number will further increase as many people cannot afford to purchase a home and the council house waiting lists get longer.
Rogue landlords flourish when there is an increase in demand for rented property, exploiting people who have limited options.
Whilst Shelter acknowledges that the vast majority of landlords are honest and act responsibly, rogue landlords who represent a minority, are letting homes that are in a dreadful state of repair with no regard for their tenants.
The health of tenants and particularly their children is put at risk when they are living in dangerous housing which is poorly maintained and in urgent need of repairs.
Changes that need to be made
Shelter believes that “much more must be done to bring rogue landlords to justice.”
Local authorities should:
- enforce the laws that already exist to stamp out rogue landlords
- prosecute rogue landlords when they do not comply with the law
- publicise their tough stance on rogue landlords in the local press
- give renters the support they need to bring complaints to the council
- proactively inspect properties to make sure that they are appropriate homes for renters.
Disclaimer
This article is provided as a guide. Any information should be used for research purposes and not as the base for taking legal action. The Tenants' Voice does not provide legal advice and our content does not constitute a client-solicitor relationship.
We advise all tenants to act respectfully with their landlords and letting agents and seek a peaceful resolution to problems with their rented property. For more information, explore the articles in our category.
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