Sadiq Khan urged to boost enforcement ahead of Renters’ Rights Act

A tenant group is urging the Mayor of London to create a legal fighting fund to support councils in taking action against rogue landlords ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Generation Rent argues that councils across London will play a vital role in enforcing the reforms, but are already struggling to uphold existing housing rules due to limited resources.

The group is calling on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, to strengthen the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act in the capital.

Biggest reforms to renting in a generation

In an article posted on their website, Generation Rent said: “The Mayor of London has long called for powers to be devolved so that he can take action to limit rent rises in the capital.

“We think it is long overdue that he starts making representations to government on behalf of London’s renters.

“The Renters’ Rights Act represents the biggest reforms to renting in a generation. It could mean fewer families pushed into homelessness or temporary accommodation, as well as more flexible tenancies and safer homes across London.

“Its success will depend on three things: renters knowing their rights, councils having the resources to enforce the law, and politicians having the courage to go further where the reforms fall short. That is how we will see a true transformation to private renting.”

Expand property licence checker and create legal fighting fund

The tenant group claims Mr Khan should consider creating a legal fighting fund to support councils in taking action against rogue landlords.

The group says on its website: “Many local authorities are understandably cautious about pursuing complex or costly cases, particularly when landlords operate across borough boundaries.

“Early investment could help build a strong, self-sustaining enforcement system, and make sure the worst offenders are held accountable.

The group says Mr Khan should expand the scope of the property licence checker.

The property licence checker is designed to help renters check whether their landlords need a licence, such as an HMO licence, to rent out a property.

However, Generation Rent argues the checker should be expanded to allow renters to identify offences that may qualify for Rent Repayment Orders.

The group also says councils should be required to update the Mayor’s rogue landlord checker database, which allows renters to check whether landlords have received fines, prosecutions, revoked licences or banning orders.

It argues that the current voluntary system has led to uneven enforcement, with 14 of London’s 32 boroughs not listed on the Greater London Authority rogue landlord checker.

The group also wants the Greater London Authority to monitor enforcement across London.

Low awareness of Renters’ Rights Act in London

The news comes as the London Assembly Housing Committee has warned that low awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act among London renters could undermine reforms.

The committee reports that more than 65% of renters in the capital have either not heard of the Act or do not understand what it means for them.

The committee is calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to boost public communication of the Act, including posters across the London Underground.