NRLA report suggests councils may struggle to enforce reforms
Reforms to the private rented sector could fall short without a clear strategy to improve enforcement against rogue landlords, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has said.
The trade body’s concerns come as Peers prepare to debate the Renters’ Rights Bill, which includes significant regulatory changes that local councils will be responsible for enforcing. Key provisions include the introduction of a Decent Homes Standard for the private rental sector, measures to combat dangerous damp and mould, and the creation of a central database of privately rented properties.
However, a new NRLA report highlights the challenges councils already face in enforcing existing regulations. According to Freedom of Information data, less than half of all fines imposed on non-compliant landlords in England were collected between 2021 and 2023. Additionally, 49% of councils did not issue a single fine during this period.
The concerns arise as local authorities grapple with financial pressures, with one in four councils in England warning they may need emergency government funding to avoid bankruptcy. Many are also contending with structural reforms, housing supply demands, and strains on adult social care services.
The NRLA argues that without adequate resources, councils will struggle to enforce new rules and address the actions of rogue landlords. It is calling on the government to assess the resources councils currently have and determine what will be needed to enforce the Renters’ Rights Bill effectively.
The association also wants local authorities to publish annual reports on their enforcement activities within the private rental sector. In addition, it is urging policymakers to prevent duplication between the proposed national landlord database and local licensing schemes. To strengthen oversight, the NRLA is advocating for the creation of a chief environmental health officer role to lead enforcement efforts.
“For too long the vast majority of decent, responsible landlords have been tarnished by the actions of a minority of rogue operators failing to provide good enough housing,” said Ben Beadle (pictured), NRLA chief executive. “If planned reforms are to work, councils need to up their game at finding and rooting out those who have no place renting property out and making it easier for the law-abiding majority providing decent and safe homes.
“Our report suggests local authorities will struggle to enforce much of what is in the Renters’ Rights Bill. Without further action, the only winners from all this will be the minority of unscrupulous landlords.”
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