Bracknell Landlords – Another report of Councils issuing fines to Landlords

Havering Council in London has issued £261,750 in penalty notices to what it calls ‘criminals’ operating in the private rental sector. That according to Letting Agent Today.

Between March and September, the council has handed out:

• 81 financial penalty notices
• nine housing-related notices served to address poor housing standards
• 143 licence applications served
• £124,191 licensing fees collected
• £261,750 total penalty notices

The motive behind this focus on Landlords who are not meeting the new requirements set in law in the recent past can be attributed to many things, many of them laudable, but whatever their motives there can be no doubt that there is focus!

As an aside, did you know that since April 2017 local Councils are now allowed to keep the revenue they collect from the fines they issue? And something approaching half a million pounds per annum in revenue creates a lot of focus!

Of course, a sure way to avoid fines is to not break the law in the first place. But with over 170 pieces of legislation a Landlord must comply with – can you be sure you are fully compliant and safe from prosecution? Can you afford to risk a £30,000 fine, or even a criminal conviction?!

Talk to our professional Lettings Team for advice on staying safe and compliant.

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