Renters to be given access to rogue landlords database under fresh Government crackdown

Renters are to be given access to a database of blacklisted landlords as part of a Government crackdown on rogue lettings.



Housing Secretary James Brokenshire has revealed new plans for a search system that will give prospective tenants access to check landlords and letting agents by name and records.

The Rogue Landlords Database will hold information of landlords’ criminal records, including those convicted of failing to make a property habitable, as well as sex and drug offences.

The plans come as part of a series of renting reforms, including measures to end no-fault evictions.

Mr Brokenshire said: "This database has the potential to ensure that poor quality homes across the country are improved and the worst landlords are banned, and it is right that we unlock this crucial information for new and prospective tenants.

"Landlords should be in no doubt that they must provide decent homes or face the consequences."

The initiative, which will boost power for 11 million renters in England, has been welcomed by housing campaigners.

Shelter chief executive Polly Neate said: “We welcome government plans that would stop private renters unwittingly agreeing to rental contracts with rogue or criminal landlords.

“Having access to a public database will offer renters a better chance of protecting themselves and their family. But, far and away the most important thing the government can do to tackle rogue landlords is make it impossible for them to evict tenants without a valid reason.

“It’s equally encouraging to see further progress being made towards abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions today - which is the only way to make revenge evictions a thing of the past, and give England’s 11 million private renters the security they desperately need.

“To ensure everyone reaps the rewards of these proposals, the new Prime Minister must see-through the vital legislation this government has already committed to.