A £20 million fund aimed at strengthening the inspection of failing landlords and improving support for residents has been announced by the Government as part of its plan to drive up standards in supported housing.
The funding will support councils in cracking down on rogue landlords who seek to profit through benefit claims but fail to support vulnerable residents.
If landlords are found to be performing poorly, improvement must be shown and better accommodation must be provided, or landlords could face enforcement action, including fines of up to £30,000 or bans from operating.
Cllr David Renard, the LGA’s Housing Spokesperson, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, decent, warm and affordable place to live – this is critical to the health and wellbeing of communities.
“This funding will be a positive step in helping councils tackle rogue landlords. It is critical that new funding is sufficient to cover the cost of inspecting properties that are below the required standards.
“Councils do everything they can to tackle bad practice and are taking action, where required, to raise standards in the private rented sector.
“However, further funding and support is needed to raise standards in the private rented sector and councils could do more if they were given the right tools, such as removing the requirement for Secretary of State approval for larger selective housing licensing schemes.”