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<p>Local authorities have a range of enforcement powers to protect tenants from landlords
that do not fulfil their legal obligations. The Housing Act 2004 gives powers to local
authorities to regulate and enforce standards in the private rented sector. The Housing
and Planning Act 2016 further introduced civil penalties of up to £30,000 and banning
orders for use against the worst and most persistent offenders. Legislation also extended
rent repayment orders which require a landlord to repay rent when they have not complied
with the law.</p><p>In April 2018, using powers under the Housing and Planning Act
2016, we also introduced a national database of rogue landlords and property agents.
Where a landlord has received a banning order the local authority must place them
on the database. Where the landlord has received a conviction for a banning order
offence or two or more civil penalties for housing related offences then the local
authority has discretion to make an entry.</p><p>As set out in the Queen’s Speech,
the Government has committed to bringing in a Better Deal for Renters to deliver a
fairer and more effective rental market that works for both tenants and landlords.
This includes bringing forward reforms to drive improvements in standards in rented
accommodation, ensuring well targeted, effective enforcement that drives out criminal
landlords.</p>
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