PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR LANDLORD OMBUDSMAN
Regardless of whether they use a professional agent or not, landlords will have to join a new Ombudsman service which will provide complaint resolution services for tenants and have the power to compel landlords to issue apologies, provide information, carry out remedial action, and pay compensation. For landlords, participation in the ombudsman scheme will be a legal requirement, meaning they must register and adhere to the ombudsman’s standards. Agents who advertise properties where the landlord is not registered could face enforcement action from local councils, ranging from civil penalties of up to £7,000 to criminal prosecution or fines of as much as £40,000 for repeated breaches. These penalties will also apply to the landlords themselves, and tenants will have the right to seek Rent Repayment Orders if their landlord persistently fails to register with the Ombudsman.
THE PRIVATE RENTED SECTOR DATABASE
The Private Rented Sector Database introduced under the Renters Rights Bill is a centralised record of landlords and rental properties designed to improve transparency, accountability, and compliance within the private rental sector. Registering with the database is mandatory and will require all landlords to register their properties and provide accurate, up-to-date information on each rental unit including property condition. By creating a standardised register, the government aims to enhance oversight, helping tenants, local councils, and enforcement bodies easily identify non-compliant landlords and track the overall quality of rental housing. Again, agents will be subject to penalties if they market a property without it, and the landlord details, being registered on the system. Local authorities and housing enforcement teams will use this database to monitor landlords’ adherence to safety and property standards, conduct routine audits, and swiftly address complaints or issues flagged by tenants. For landlords, this means a higher level of accountability, as any lapses in property maintenance, safety compliance, or tenant relations can be tracked and addressed by relevant authorities. Tenants will also benefit from this database, as it provides them with access to verified information on their prospective landlords and the compliance history of properties. They can gain insights into a landlord’s record on maintenance and safety standards, creating a more informed rental process.
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