Database ‘names and shames’ London’s lax landlords

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. Picture: Adam Davy PA Wire/PA Images

Rogue landlords, look out! All London boroughs have signed up for an online database allowing residents to ‘name and shame’ dodgy property owners.

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The City of London and the capital’s 32 boroughs will submit records of successful prosecutions and fines to the Mayor’s Rogue Landlords and Letting Agents Checker, a free tool allowing renters to see if their landlord or letting agent has been convicted of housing offences.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan hailed the “important milestone” as a step forward for “protecting London’s renters”.

“The rental market in the capital is difficult enough to navigate without a small minority of rogue operators exploiting their tenants. This tool will empower Londoners to make an informed choice about where to live,” he said.

“I’m extremely grateful for the support of all the local authorities and other bodies which have signed up to contribute their records to the database. I’m confident this will be a major step in tackling unscrupulous and illegal practices in the rented sector.”

Ten boroughs signed up the scheme when in launched last December. With all 33 local authorities now signed up, the remaining records can be uploaded to the database.

Entries include a record £35,000 fine for Foxtons, following a prosecution brought by Tower Hamlets Council. The estate agent chain failed to provide the council with correct documents – including those for fire and gas safety – for a rental property in Whitechapel.

Another record lists a corporate landlord and its management company ordered to pay £250,000 after a “potentially lethal” flat fire in Westminster, where firefighters rescued 13 people.

“We welcomed the rogue landlord checker when it was launched and it’s great news that all London boroughs have now pledged to submit their records to the database,” said London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner for fire safety, Dan Daly.

“Now that all boroughs have signed up, it means every Londoner who rents, wherever they live, will be able to find landlords and letting agents who have been successfully prosecuted or faced civil enforcement for housing offences, including those prosecuted by us for fire safety breaches.”

To use the checker, click here.