Councils backed with millions to take on rogue landlords
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Local authorities across England funded an extra £41
million to cover costs for new enforcement powers
through the Renters' Rights Act Money will help councils
oversee new legal protections for 11 million private
renters from 1 May – a huge overhaul including a ban
on Section 21 ‘no-fault' evictions and rogue landlords
will face fines of up to £40k Multimillion-pound investment in
civil courts will see...Request free
trial
From 1 May, local renters will benefit from greater protections from rogue landlords, with councils armed with strengthened duties and powers to oversee the government's flagship Renters' Rights Act.
With less than a All 317 local authorities are getting a share of £60 million in total ahead of the Act coming into force in just a few weeks – the pot of cash comprises of £41.12 million in new funding following an initial £18.2 million allocated to councils last autumn. To ensure justice is delivered for both renters and landlords up to £50 million will be invested to modernise the civil courts and this includes digitalising court processes. Further still, an additional £5 million is being invested into fee uplifts for the housing legal aid sector each year, so all renters can continue to access free help and support in the event of facing eviction from their home. New powers for councils coming on 1 May include:
This follows expanded investigatory powers that came into force last December for councils to carry out ramped up, more thorough investigations where they suspect landlords are breaking the law – from the entering the premises without having to give prior notice to landlords to accessing information from third-parties like banks and accountants. Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “It's less than a month until the Renters' Rights Act begins to transform our private rented sector - a huge manifesto commitment.
“We've “Stronger powers and fines will help deter wrongdoing in the first place, as we work towards a better rental system that's fairer to tenants and good landlords.” Courts Minister, Sarah Sackman KC said: "The Renters' Rights Act is historic, and our courts and tribunals must stand ready to deliver justice. "That's why we're investing millions to modernise and digitise court processes. Access to justice is crucial, so we're also keeping court fees low and providing free legal aid advice to those who need it most." Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, Ben Beadle said: “Rogue landlords have no place in the private rented sector and every effort should be made by local authorities to drive them from the market. “This announcement demonstrates that the Government is serious about tackling those who bring the sector into disrepute and supporting those responsible landlords who provide decent and secure homes for renters.” Chief Executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey said: “The Renters' Rights Act is a vital step in addressing the power imbalance between tenants and landlords. But the law will only reach into people's homes and make a positive difference to their lives if councils are able to take actions against landlords who don't follow the new rules. Therefore, we're pleased to see the government commit further funding for councils, boosting their ability to make sure renters feel the benefit of the changes from May 1st.” ENDS Notes to editors:
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