The Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker has been launched that will allow tenants to check landlords and agents before they sign a tenancy agreement.
“Many landlords and agents across London offer a great service – but sadly some don’t. My new database is about empowering Londoners to make informed choices about where they rent, and sending rogue operators a clear message: you have nowhere to hide.”
The checker, from the Mayor of London, lists those landlords and letting agents who have been successfully prosecuted or have faced civil enforcement action for housing offences, along with details of the offences and the properties to which they relate.
At the moment, 10 of the 32 London councils have published data (equivalent to 25% of renters), with another 8 councils to submit data in the coming weeks.
The database also includes data from the London Fire Brigade and the property redress schemes (Property Redress Scheme, Ombudsman Services – Property and The Property Ombudsman).
Additionally, tenants are provided with a tool for the easy reporting of landlords they suspect of unscrupulous practices.
What does this mean for tenants?
The database will empower renters to check a specific landlord’s record, as well as look at landlords and agents in their area who have faced enforcement action, as well allow them to use the checker to report unscrupulous practices.
The introduction of a database will undoubtedly improve the standard of renting in London by eliminating bad landlords.
Hopefully, this database should encourage the Government to rapidly introduce a national database that provides tenants with the same level of visibility.
Celsium Powered by Brunel is checking all London properties, landlords and agents against the database to limit the risk of exposure to unethical or illegal practices when our customers find a new rental property.
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