Council hits landlords with £180,000 in fines

West London’s Hounslow Council has intensified its enforcement action against landlords, fining them £180,000 in the past six months.

‘Rogue’ landlords who violate their ‘duty of care’ to tenants are the focus of it actions, it claims.

Unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) were the target of the council’s most recent enforcement effort.

The council says it will continue ‘naming and shaming’ those landlords who break the rules.

Most landlords are good

The council deputy leader and cabinet member for assets, Councillor Tom Bruce, said: “We stand firmly with tenants and communities, supporting people’s right to live in secure, well-maintained homes.

“Most landlords provide safe and decent housing, but we will not tolerate those who exploit renters or neglect their responsibilities.”

He added: “Where landlords fail in their duty of care, we will act decisively, issuing the strongest penalties available whenever possible.”

Average £14,000 fine

To make sure that landlords have the proper tenancy agreements, licenses, and health and safety standards, council enforcement officials have conducted thorough inspections and investigations.

The council has fined landlords and letting companies an average of £14,000 for violating its HMO property standards within the last six months.

Also, council officers were looking for unlawfully rented residences.

The council is now urging tenants to report any suspicious landlord activity or substandard housing conditions.