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<p>Ensuring tenants in the private rented sector are protected from poor housing conditions
is vital, so we have commissioned a review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating
System (HHSRS) to assess how well it works in practice and make sure that it is fit
for purpose. The first phase of the review is now complete, setting out recommendations
which will inform the appropriate direction of the second phase - from a full root-and-branch
revision of the HHSRS down to a simple refresh of the standard and its accompanying
guidance.</p><p>In addition, we have brought in strong enforcement powers for local
authorities to tackle those non-compliant landlord. These include the introduction
of civil penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution; banning orders
for rogue landlords and agents, in tandem with a database of rogue landlords and property
agents to prevent serious offenders from letting properties; and extending rent repayment
orders which require a landlord to repay a specified amount of rent to a local authority
or a tenant, to cover, for example, illegal eviction or failure to comply with a statutory
notice. This year we have awarded over £2.3 million in grant funding to local authorities
to boost their enforcement work, fostering innovative approaches and sharing best
practice to tackle the minority of landlords who deliberately flout the law.</p>
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