Renters could be given access to rogue landlords database to help them choose where to live
RENTERS in England could be given access to a rogue landlords database to help them make better decisions on where to live.
A list of dodgy landlords and property agents was first introduced in April 2018 but at the moment only local authorities can view it.
Now, the government wants to share this information with both tenants and property agents.
Landlords on the list are those who have been convicted of a specific type of offence after April 6 2018 or those who have received two civil penalty notices within a year.
Offences include issues related to being a poor landlord, such as using or threatening violence to enter properties, and failure to provide annual gas safety checks and provide tenants with a copy.
While they also include non-landlord specific offences, such as manslaughter, rape and handling stolen goods.
How to complain about your landlord
IF you're having problems with your landlord the best thing to do is to try and talk to them about it.
If this doesn't work, you can make a formal complaint in writing.
If this still doesn't have the desired outcome, you might be able to complain to your - it can help with complaints about health and safety concerns, illegal eviction, harassment or dishonest and unfair trading.
If your landlord still doesn't budge, the onlt other option you have is to take your landlord to court - but this can be expensive so do your research first and check if you're elgible for help with legal costs.
and are free charities you can contact if you need help or are unsure about what to do.
As part of the government's plans it also wants to update the list of offences to cover new laws made since the introduction of the list, such as the Tenant Fees Act, which took force on June 1.
This would mean landlords or agents that continue to charge tenants fees could be added to the list.
While the government is also considering whether to add landlords to the list who do not fix serious hazards in properties when ordered to by councils.
There are more than 4million renters in England alone, which represents 19 per cent of all households.
And property experts believe the plans to name and shame unscrupulous landlords is a good thing.
Polly Neate, chief executive of housing charity Shelter, said: “We welcome government plans that would stop private renters unwittingly agreeing to rental contracts with rogue or criminal landlords.
"Having access to a public database will offer renters a better chance of protecting themselves and their family."
While Dan Wilson Craw, director of campaign group Generation Rent, added: “Renters have to provide references from employers and previous landlords before a landlord hands over the keys to a new flat.
"So it is only fair that renters get the opportunity to check that a prospective landlord doesn’t have a criminal record.
"This plan is another victory for renters, though we need much more effective enforcement to identify all landlords who have been breaking the law.”
The government's consultation closes on October 12 and you can submit your response via the .
A response from the government will then follow although no timescales have been given for when this will be or when the proposals could eventually take force.
More on renting
Experts said earlier this month that a tough new watchdog is also needed to crackdown on dodgy estate agents and slap them with fines.
It comes as research recently revealed that half a million working families rely on housing benefit to pay their rent.
In the meantime, here's how to get your landlord to fix damp or mould.
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