A crackdown on rogue landlords renting out homes affected by mould and other serious hazards is set to be expanded across London, following a pilot scheme in Camden.
The enforcement initiative, designed to force landlords to address dangerous living conditions, will now be rolled out to Barnet, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Waltham Forest, Havering, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Enfield.
Central to the scheme are Rent Repayment Orders (RROs), which allow tenants and local authorities to reclaim up to two years’ rent from landlords who commit certain housing-related offences.
The government views RROs as a key tool for improving compliance in the private rented sector, deterring unlawful behaviour and empowering tenants and councils to take action when landlords breach the law.
Welfare minister Sir Stephen Timms said: “Thanks to this pilot, private renters in receipt of housing support will have stronger protections against landlords who fail to meet public standards.
“No one should live in unsafe or unsuitable housing.
“We are giving local authorities the tools they need to deter bad housing practice, and ensuring better value for money by upholding safe standards.”