Buy-to-let landlords are being warned that ‘Safer Renting’ schemes may have a hidden agenda – to gather information landlords may not be obligated to disclose.

A growing number of councils are promoting these seemingly well-intentioned projects that encourage landlords to join in an effort to improve tenant safety. But Phil Turtle of Landlord Licensing & Defence says buy-to-let landlords should beware.

He said: “The concern lies in the potential for these schemes to act as a trap for unsuspecting landlords.

“By participating, landlords could be inadvertently providing information that could be used against them in the future.”

According to Turtle, the issues of concern for landlords include asking landlords to declare compliance with various regulations.

That request could be construed as an admission of guilt if the council later discovers a violation.

Also, councils may not have complete information on a landlord’s properties and by joining the scheme, landlords may unwittingly fill in these gaps towards enforcement action.

Again, this could potentially lead to future investigations.

Turtle highlights a third concern and said: “The way the collected information will be used and stored is often unclear.

“Landlords may be unaware of how this information could impact them in the future.”

For landlords who see a council safer renting scheme, Turtle urges them to consider these Landlord Licensing & Defence tips:

Before joining any Safer Renting scheme, carefully review its requirements and how the information will be used;

Consult with a specialist in landlord housing law and compliance to understand the potential implications of participating;

Maintain meticulous records of all property maintenance, inspections and tenant communication to help defend against any future allegations.

Turtle added: “Landlords play a vital role in providing housing for countless individuals and families.

“It’s crucial they understand their rights and obligations, and approach these safer renting schemes with caution.”