Click here to view the original article ‘Secret rogue landlord database branded ‘pointless”
The database of rogue buy-to-let investors has been criticised because it will not be made public.
Later this week the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will introduce a database of landlords who are “serious and prolific offenders” having been found guilty of breaking the law on letting, as part of the government’s bid to improve the private-rented sector.
But David Cox, chief executive of Arla Propertymark, said: “When this legislation was first announced, we were wildly supportive – anything which will help eradicate bad letting agents and landlords has our full support.
“However, the outcome is disappointing. The database won’t be public, which means no one will be able to see it and therefore letting agents and landlords who are on the list can continue operating with impunity.
“This appears to be a pointless exercise; if the list were made public – like the equivalent for estate agents – rogue agents and landlords would leave the market for good.”
Under the new regime, which comes into effect on Friday (6 April) buy-to-let investors with certain criminal convictions – including stalking, harassment, blackmail, theft, burglary and handling stolen goods – will be banned from renting out property.
Landlords will also need a licence if they want to rent out a property in England to five or more people from two or more separate households.
Since last year landlords have been liable for fines of up to £30,000 if they are found to be letting out unsafe or substandard accommodation.
Under the licencing regime, the government is also introducing minimum space requirements, which mean rooms used for sleeping by one adult will have to be no smaller than 6.51 square metres, and those slept in by two adults will have to be no smaller than 10.22 square metres.
