September 20, 2018 1.36 pm This story is over 65 months old

£30k fines proposed for North East Lincolnshire landlords

Landlords who breach the act could now face fines of £30,000

‘Rogue landlords’ in North East Lincolnshire could soon face £30,000 fines under plans set to be adopted by the council.

The move comes as the government introduced amendments in 2016 to the Housing Act which means local authorities can now issue fines.

Members of North East Lincolnshire Council’s cabinet have been recommended to adopt the changes.

It means the authority will be able to fine landlords who breach the act up to £30,000 depending on the severity of the offence and their track record.

Offences include failing to deal with overcrowding, failing to improve the condition of a property and not licensing a home of multiple occupancy.

The move is seen as an alternative to prosecuting and will help to deter other landlords, according to the council.

The authority said the changes are about improving the region’s homes and “exposing” landlords who break the law.

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: “Private rented homes form a large part of our areas housing stock.

“These penalties, which have been encouraged by government guidelines, gives council’s greater power to support both landlords and tenants.

“This is about working to improve the standard of private rented accommodation in our area, making them safer and more secure for the tenants, and exposing those so-called rogue landlords and letting agents who ignore the law.”


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