MPs call for landlords to work with councils on fly-tipping
Private landlords must take action and work with councils to prevent fly-tipping, claim MPs.
MPs claimed that landlords tackling fly-tipping will help prevent areas from becoming “dumping grounds” and make it easier for landlords to rent their properties.
During a debate on the impact of fly-tipping in residential areas, MPs say landlords must work with councils to tackle the issue.
Need landlords to take action
Labour MP Melanie Onn told the debate that fly-tipping has a huge impact on communities, and there is a role for landlords to play.
She said: “In areas with a high turnover of private rented accommodation, waste accumulation often becomes a recurring problem during tenancy changes.
“Landlords should work much more closely with local authorities to ensure that proper waste disposal arrangements are in place and to prevent alleyways and communal areas from becoming dumping grounds.
“It will work in their favour too; it is much easier to rent a property in an area that looks like it is being cared for.”
Labour MP Kevin Bonavia echoed Ms Orr and claimed: “It cannot just be for councils to tackle this; we need private landlords to take action.”
Landlords held responsible for tenant fly-tipping
A warning by Sefton council that landlords would be held responsible for tenant fly-tipping was condemned by Ben Beadle, the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association.
He said: “I am incredulous that a landlord is responsible for the tenants’ rubbish – making a further mockery of overreaching licensing regimes.
“Sure, provide appropriate bins and other measures but other than that, we are all responsible for our own behaviour.”
Sefton Council also said enforcement action will follow if fly-tipping continues in alleyways behind rented homes.
Fines have risen from £400 to £1,000 for offences, and hidden cameras are now being used to catch culprits.
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Related Articles
7 months ago | 2 comments
11 months ago | 7 comments
Member Since June 2022 - Comments: 45
9:39 AM, 6th July 2026, About 1 hour ago
Oh so not only do they punish private landlords the government now want us to help them. Absolute joke, the councils are responsible for street care not the landlords. Landlords properties have boundary’s anything outside the boundary is nothing to do with them. Yes sure if the council find rubbish and can identify who’s rubbish it is then by all means fine the person who dumped said rubbish NOT the landlord. The Government are a joke.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1519 - Articles: 1
9:49 AM, 6th July 2026, About 56 minutes ago
So not only unpaid, and untrained/unqualified, immigration officers and ASBO officers the government wants PRS landlords to be unpaid waste disposal bin men and women.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 42
9:57 AM, 6th July 2026, About 48 minutes ago
Why not indeed. After all, we’re already responsible for doing the work of the Border Force to ensure people have a right to rent in this country, we can simply extend that to include stopping fly-tipping. Perhaps we should apply for payment for doing the work other departments / councils should be doing? Maybe set up a councilling service to help tenants who aren’t paying their rent and support them with money to take their landlord to court.
Alternatively, perhaps all these ridiculous ideas can go where they should and the people already being paid (by us taxpayers) can do the job they’re paid to do – or is that an outrageous suggestion?
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3652 - Articles: 5
10:17 AM, 6th July 2026, About 27 minutes ago
“Landlords should work much more closely with local authorities to ensure that proper waste disposal arrangements are in place and to prevent alleyways and communal areas from becoming dumping grounds.”
Not interested. Tenants produce the rubbish and they are obliged to dispose of properly – is THEIR contractual obligation not the property owner.
All the property owner has to do is ensure there is the necessary bin at the start of the tenancy and provide a link to the council waste web page. The web page gives all the info the property occupier about what the council requires of THEM when putting rubbish out.
As the council tax payer the tenant) – its down to them as the occupier to abide by this.
I fully support councils in enforcing and fining those who fly tip/responsible for not disposing of THEIR waste properly, but if they think it’s the landlord who responsible, then they have another thing coming!
Member Since March 2024 - Comments: 293
10:37 AM, 6th July 2026, About 8 minutes ago
Are these MPs unaware of the minimum 100% Council tax that virtually all local authorities charge the landlord immediately the property becomes vacant? That is a considerable premium considering a single occupant gets a 25% discount (and can actually use the full range of council services that the LL wouldn’t be eligible for if they live out of the area).
Instead of just pocketing that CT as a windfall perhaps it might be an idea for the local authority to spend it supporting the landlord either directly or indirectly. In previous decades councils used to place skips every few weeks for local residents to use – and if the council bulky waste removal was made a bit cheaper more tenants might use it!
Member Since September 2020 - Comments: 14
10:43 AM, 6th July 2026, About 2 minutes ago
How can a private landlord by responsible for flytipping on your street
I have reposted flytipping to the council on our street x2 weekly for years and spoke to enforcement officers who tells me there are cameras there bullshit if there were there would be no fly tipping
All the tenants are provided with enough suitable bins and information to recycle
they are adults and responsible
This is a giant no from me I will no be held responsible for other peoples rubbish