Council announces enforcement crackdown on rogue landlords
12:01 AM, 19th August 2026, 10 hours ago
A council has launched an intelligence-led taskforce to tackle rogue landlords and improve standards in the private rented sector.
Lewisham council’s new Rogue Landlords Taskforce will target landlords linked to poor housing conditions, unlicensed properties and waste problems.
The move comes as Bath and North East Somerset Council proposes tougher financial penalties for landlords, including a potential 50% uplift in fines.
Landlords who break the rules should expect to be caught
The council claims it will continue to support good landlords while taking action against landlords who put tenants at risk.
The taskforce will prioritise wards where data suggests there is a higher likelihood of non-compliance, including areas with suspected unlicensed properties or a history of enforcement action.
The council says enforcement action could include civil penalty notices and prosecution, where it is considered proportionate and supported by the evidence.
Councillor Natalie Thomas, cabinet member for safer homes, homelessness and housing services, explains: “Improving conditions for renters in Lewisham has been one of my top priorities since I was appointed. Everyone deserves a safe, stable and decent place to live.
“Most landlords want to do the right thing, but we know there are still too many cases where tenants are being forced to live in properties that are mouldy, rat-infested or downright dangerous because their landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities.
“Landlords who cut corners and break the rules should expect to be caught, but we also want this work to encourage landlords across the borough to raise their standards before enforcement action is needed. Getting fined up to £40,000 is not a good way to save money.
“By targeting rogue landlords, we can drive up standards across the private rented sector, protect residents and make sure those who break the rules are held to account.”
153 enforcement notices
According to Lewisham Council, it has issued 153 enforcement notices, almost matching the 155 issued during the whole of the previous year.
The Renters’ Rights Act has also led to larger fines, with £160,875 issued since April – more than double the amount handed out in the previous 12 months.
The council says it expects enforcement activity to increase further with the launch of the new taskforce.
