09.05.18
Gloucester Council tables plans to crackdown on rogue landlords
Gloucester landlords who fail to look after their properties could risk being fined by the council.
The ability to fine the minority of rogue landlords who fail to honour their responsibilities towards tenants is being brought to the city’s cabinet today.
It is hoped that the fines would be used to encourage landlords or property agents to work with the city council when there is an issue. It would be treated as a last resort following failed attempts to engage landlords.
The move follows councils being given powers to use civil penalties by the government, providing an alternative to costly, lengthy court prosecutions.
If given the go-ahead, the penalties will be introduced this summer with money raised going back to the council to fund work to improve the quality of rented accommodation across the city.
Some prosecutions will still go to court, but it is expected that this will only be the most serious of cases.
Councillors are also being asked to approve the use of banning orders for the most “serious and prolific offenders” and to support the council’s contribution to the national database of landlords or property agents that logs those with banning orders or any that have been fined twice in a year.
Cllr Colin Organ, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “I want to make it clear that the vast majority of landlords do look after their properties and their tenants however, there are a small minority out there who are causing real problems and hardship.”
He explained that landlords play an important role within the city’s housing strategy, providing much needed homes to residents.
“These new powers will make it quicker and less expensive for us to deal with these landlords and will be a powerful addition to what we are already doing in working with landlords to make them aware of their responsibilities,” he concluded.
Top image: fotoVoyager
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