Landlords can face fines of up to £7,000 starting this week if they fail to address substandard housing conditions. The penalties will be enforced for issues such as dampness, mold, extreme cold, electrical malfunctions, fire risks, structural flaws, and hazardous layouts.
An estimated 10% of privately rented properties are believed to have at least one of these hazardous issues. These new measures are being introduced as part of the Renters’ Rights Act.
Local councils already have the authority to compel landlords to rectify serious hazards within a specified timeframe and can take legal action against non-compliant landlords. In cases of immediate danger, councils can also undertake emergency repairs themselves and recover the costs from landlords.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the significance of the Renters’ Rights Act in ensuring renters have safe and secure living conditions. He highlighted the new power for councils to levy fines of £7,000 on landlords for severe issues like dampness or mold, emphasizing the unacceptability of families living in such conditions.
Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, stressed the importance of improving the quality of rental properties and urged councils to actively pursue landlords who neglect necessary repairs.
Clara Collingwood, Director at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, expressed support for the new measures to address substandard living conditions and called for immediate enforcement against landlords who profit from unhealthy homes. She encouraged tenants to assert their rights and report any unsafe living conditions without fear of eviction.
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