A huge grant has been awarded to help crack down on rogue landlords operating in Hounslow.

A total of £281,414 from the central government's Controlling Migration Fund has been received by Hounslow Council.

It will use the funding to continue its work in tackling unscrupulous landlords who rent out poor quality, over-crowded and dangerous accommodation.

Rogue landlords

The funding will:

  • provide a pro-active housing enforcement team for 12 months to tackle rogue landlords;
  • support tenants in their dealings with rogue landlords about illegal evictions, rent deposit retention and harassment;
  • support the London Landlords Accreditation Scheme.

In the last three years complaints from tenants and residents over illegal and unsociable housing in the private rented sector have doubled.

A majority of the problems focus on overcrowding, noise, refuse, parking and crime.

Hounslow Council receive government grant to tackle rogue landlords

Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council said: “These funds will help us to go further in the work we do to tackle unscrupulous rogue landlords who rent out unsafe, illegal and overcrowded properties. We want to let them know it is not acceptable. They are a blight on our communities.

“This money will be used to tackle issues to ensure we can carry on the work we're doing.

“Our aim as always is to look to improve the quality of life for all our residents by providing through our services, safe, warm and affordable housing in the private housing sector as well as council-owned properties.

“We know there are those landlords taking advantage of the demand for housing and our aim is to reduce rogue landlord activity, continue to bring properties up to legal standards and provide further opportunities for tenants to find suitable and safe places to live.”

The 2011 Census identified 57,600 migrants living in Hounslow.

Most of these are young people who live in flats or houses in multiple occupation (HMO), and are often exploited by rogue landlords.

To report rogue landlords and illegal outbuildings or any other concerns please email Housing.Enforcement@hounslow.gov.uk or call 020 8583 3871.

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