Council Backs Shelter’s ‘Evict Rogue Landlords’ Campaign

Published on: 10 Oct, 2013
Updated on: 11 Oct, 2013

Guildford Borough Council is adding its support to Shelter’s national campaign to tackle rogue landlords.

The housing and homelessness charity is calling on local authorities across the country to take a tough stance against rogue landlords operating in their area. By signing up to the campaign, the council commits to crack down on landlords who ignore their responsibilities and cause misery to local families.

Cllr Sarah Creedy

Cllr Sarah Creedy, Lead Councillor for Housing and Social Welfare says: “While we have many good landlords in our borough, we also know that there is a small but dangerous minority who trap people in their homes and cause misery. By joining Shelter’s Evict Rogue Landlords campaign, we are committed to taking further tough action against the worst offenders.”

The council already uses a range of measures including education and promoting good practice to help local residents, alongside stronger action including prosecution against rogue landlords.

Recent action includes:

use of housing enforcement powers including prosecution to improve substandard housing
the successful prosecution of the owner of a park home site in Ash Vale for breaching health and safety standards (the owner was fined £12,000 plus costs)
actively looking for unsafe and unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)
attending student housing weeks to provide advice and information
promoting good practice at landlord forums.

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s Chief Executive

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, says: “We are pleased to hear that Guildford Borough Council is committing to firm action against rogue landlords operating in their area. Every day at Shelter we see the devastating impact rogue landlords have on people’s lives, and we’ve been campaigning to urge government and councils to crack down on this small but highly dangerous minority who make people’s lives a misery.

“We urge other councils to follow Guildford’s lead and do everything in their power to crack down on the worst offenders in their area and stamp out rogue landlords for good.”

For more information on Shelter’s Evict Rogue Landlords campaign visit: www.shelter.org.uk/evictroguelandlords