Home Secretary pledges £4 million to local councils to tackle criminal landlords
c.jermyn • January 17, 2020
Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, announces significant funding for over 100 councils across England, to enable them to better take enforcement action against landlords that break the law offering inadequate or unsafe housing.
to befair if Among the 100 councils to benefit, are 21 across Yorkshire and Humberside, Northampton, Thurrock and Greenwhich.
Each council has their own plan to utilise funding, but the focus appears to be on training enforcement officers; creating a 'Special Operations Unit', to take enforcement action against Landlord's still providing inadequate or unsafe housing; attending to the housing of young vulnerable tenants, ensuring they are in decent well maintained homes; and trialing new technology to identify homes that are particularly cold.
Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
"This government will deliver a better deal for renters. It’s completely unacceptable that a minority of unscrupulous landlords continue to break the law and provide homes which fall short of the standards we rightly expect - making lives difficult for hard-working tenants who just want to get on with their lives.
Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe and secure and the funding announced today will strengthen councils’ powers to crack down on poor landlords and drive up standards in the private rented sector for renters across the country".
The announcement demonstrates the Governments continued commitment to improve the standards of housing in the private rental sector. Councils already have significant powers, such as: improvement notices, civil penalties and banning orders etc But in order for them to use these powers they need sufficient resources. The Government claims that this injection of funding will help tackle the biggest obstacles facing the drive to improve housing in the private rental sector.
This announcement comes alongside a reminder that they will end no fault evictions and they will introduce Lifetime Rental Deposits. Changes are coming so Landlords, agents and all those working in the private rental sector, need to be prepared.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/housing-secretary-pledges-new-funding-to-crackdown-on-criminal-landlords
If you have any questions about your obligations as a landlord or have been served with an improvement notice by the council then please get in touch and one of our team will be happy to help.
Contact Us
News & Insights
Buyers should arrange independent gas and electrical inspections before exchange to reduce risk, ensure safety, and avoid costly issues after completion.
UK landlords in 2026: understand rights, responsibilities and legal obligations under the Renters’ Rights Act. Stay compliant and avoid costly risks.
Employment offer letters can be legally binding contracts. Learn the risks for UK employers and how to avoid costly breaches of contract claims.
Defamation in the digital age: can a viral nickname damage your reputation? Explore the Afroman case and what UK law says about online claims.
Compare auction vs private property sales in the UK. Learn important legal differences, risks, timelines, and how conveyancers guide buyers and sellers.
Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted at the Central South Business Awards, recognising the firm’s professional services, strong team culture and modern legal model.
Learn what a transfer of equity is, when you need one, the legal process, costs, and risks in this complete UK property guide.
Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Business Growth at the Modern Law Awards as three consultants also earn individual Consultant of the Year recognition.
Buying your first home in 2026? Discover legal pitfalls first-time buyers must avoid and how to protect your purchase from costly mistakes.