The CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health) have revealed there are over one million homes in England being privately rented that are not just sub-standard, they are actually dangerous.
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has warned that these figures will without doubt increase due to a lack of social housing along with the severe cuts to legal aid and housing benefit. Councils across the UK say they are doing everything they can but think workable legislation is needed, while the coalition say that more red tape would only harm the interests of the tenant.
The CIEH also claim that a small number of unscrupulous landlords are exploiting the shortage of rented accommodation, and they are fearful that cuts to housing benefit are going to force tenants to move in to unsafe buildings with exposed electrics, mould and damp. They also make it clear that not every landlord is like this. The vast majority take out landlord insurance and look after their tenants very well.
Councillor Paul Bettison, Chairman of Local Government Regulation, said “There is clear evidence that councils throughout England are cracking down on rogue landlords.
“However, at a time when councils are facing the worst financial settlement in living memory, having clearer and more workable legislation would be beneficial. With the limited resources available to councils at present, the introduction of a national landlord register would certainly help councils further in tracing those breaking the law.”
A Communities and Local Government spokesperson claims coalition ministers believe the system will strike the right balance between the rights and responsibilities of both tenant and landlords. All local Councils have a range of powers to tackle the small number of rogue landlords who continually fail in their responsibilities. While there is not yet a central regulation system for landlords in England, Scotland does have landlord registration which is designed to help local councils monitor private landlords and make sure that they are suitable to let out property.