An outspoken activist group wants public funds to be diverted by London Mayor Sadiq Khan to pay local councils to pursue private landlords.
Generation Rent says Khan should consider setting up what it calls “a legal fighting fund” to support borough councils taking action against rogue landlords.
The group – whose chief executive announced his imminent departure earlier this week – says: “Many local authorities are understandably cautious about pursuing complex or costly cases, particularly when landlords operate across borough boundaries.
“Early investment [of public funds] could help build a strong, self-sustaining enforcement system, and make sure the worst offenders are held accountable.”
Generation Rent has made the call as part of a package of demands on Khan in a bid to go further even than the Renters Rights Act in London.
It also wants Khan and the Greater London Authority to expand an existing service called the Property Licence Checker.
Generation Rent says such an expansion would mean “renters can more easily identify offences that may qualify for Rent Repayment Orders.”
On top of that, it wants Khan and the GLA to “closely monitor enforcement across London, supporting the sharing of best practice and ensuring councils are transparent about their activity.”
Generation Rent also wants public spending on advertising on the Transport for London network to publicise the Renters Rights Act, as well as marketing it through libraries and local newsletters.
In another criticism of private landlords and letting agents, a statement from the activist body says: “Too often, renters rely on information from landlords or letting agents leaving them vulnerable to misinformation.
“Clear and impartial information tools will be essential as the Act comes into force, particularly to avoid confusion around issues like fixed-term tenancies and the timing of the Section 21 ban.”
The group also repeats a long-established call from Mayor Khan to be given the powers to impose rental controls – but it chastises him for not making the case appropriately so far.
The statement says: “The Mayor of London has long called for powers to be devolved so that he can take action to limit rent rises in the capital.
“We think it is long overdue that he starts making representations to government on behalf of London’s renters.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today