Wandsworth Council has announced a “crackdown” on rogue landlords as new legislation comes into force.
As it is, landlords are required to pay for a licence from the council if they rent a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) to five or more people.
A HMO is a property where three or more unrelated individuals/households pay for their own rooms while sharing communal amenities such as a bathroom or cooking facilities.
The Government is expanding the definition of what makes up a HMO, and this includes accommodation above and beneath commercial premises such as shops.
The council will be inspecting privately owned premises in the borough to ensure landlords are not “flouting the law”.
If caught, perpetrators can face fines of up to £30,000.
Cabinet member for housing Councillor Clare Salier said the council “won’t hesitate to take action” against those who break the law.
Along with handing down a hefty fine, the Housing and Planning Act 2016 allows councils to ban landlords them from renting out properties, it can force them to repay rent to their tenants, and can enter their details into a national database.
Cllr Salier said: “Everyone deserves to live in a safe, well-maintained and high quality home, and it’s important that tenants as well as landlords are aware of their rights and responsibilities.”
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