Burnham announces new powers to tackle rogue landlords

Burnham announces new powers to tackle rogue landlords

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to grant councils enhanced powers to address negligent landlords and improve conditions in the private rental sector. The announcement came during his recent party conference speech, signalling potential legislative changes ahead.

Burnham stated that councils will be empowered to take control of poorly maintained rental properties, particularly those owned by absentee landlords who neglect upkeep despite receiving housing benefit payments. He emphasised the need to protect tenants from unsafe homes and to restore such properties to public housing stock if landlords fail to improve conditions.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner also committed to introducing mandatory regulation for letting and estate agents, aiming to curb malpractice and increase accountability in the sector. Both announcements indicate a tougher stance on landlord and agent misconduct, with possible new licensing and enforcement measures forthcoming.

Details of Burnham’s proposed crackdown on rogue landlords

In his keynote address, Burnham highlighted the widespread issue of rental properties in poor repair that endanger tenant health and degrade neighbourhoods. He criticised absentee landlords who rely on housing benefits but fail to reinvest in their properties. To address this, Burnham promised that councils would receive new powers to intervene.

Specifically, negligent landlords would first receive warnings to improve their properties. If they refuse, councils would be able to acquire these homes more easily, potentially bringing them back into public ownership. Burnham suggested that legislation would be introduced if necessary to facilitate this process, though no detailed framework or timeline was provided during the speech.

Meanwhile, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner announced plans for mandatory regulation of letting and estate agents. She described the sector as having many reputable businesses but also a significant number of “cowboys, crooks and con artists” who exploit clients through hidden fees and poor service. Rayner pledged to legislate for an independent regulatory body with powers to revoke licences from those who fail to comply with rules.

Context and implications for landlords and agents

This renewed focus on rogue landlords and agent regulation follows ongoing concerns about housing standards and consumer protection in the private rented sector. Burnham’s proposal to empower councils to acquire poorly maintained properties echoes existing local authority enforcement powers but suggests a more proactive approach to removing bad landlords from the market.

For landlords, this signals increased scrutiny and potential consequences for failing to maintain properties to acceptable standards. The threat of councils taking possession of neglected homes could incentivise better upkeep and compliance with safety regulations. However, the lack of detailed proposals means landlords should monitor forthcoming legislation closely.

On the agent side, mandatory regulation would represent a significant shift from the current voluntary or fragmented oversight. Letting agents may face new licensing requirements, compliance checks, and disciplinary procedures. This could raise operational costs but also improve professionalism and trust in the sector.

Practical effects and what landlords should prepare for

Small portfolio landlords should review their property maintenance records and ensure all safety certificates and repairs are up to date. Given the emphasis on health-harming conditions, properties with outstanding issues may attract enforcement action or warnings.

Landlords should also be aware that councils may become more assertive in pursuing poorly maintained properties, potentially leading to compulsory purchase or management orders. Maintaining good communication with tenants and promptly addressing repair requests will be increasingly important.

Letting agents should prepare for potential licensing regimes by reviewing their compliance procedures, client money protection, and transparency in fees. Agents may need to implement stricter internal controls and ensure all staff are trained on forthcoming regulatory requirements.

Uncertainties and what to watch next

The announcements provide a broad policy direction but lack specific details on how new powers will operate, the criteria for council intervention, or the scope of agent regulation. The timing of legislation and the mechanisms for enforcement remain unclear.

Landlords and agents should watch for official government consultations, draft bills, or statutory instruments that clarify these proposals. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s forthcoming guidance will be critical for understanding compliance obligations.

It is also uncertain how these measures will interact with existing landlord licensing schemes, tenant rights legislation, and the Renters’ Rights Act. Coordination between national and local regulations could affect the practical application of new powers.

What landlords should consider now

• Conduct thorough reviews of property conditions and safety compliance to pre-empt enforcement action.
• Maintain detailed records of repairs, inspections and tenant communications to demonstrate good management.
• Stay informed on government announcements regarding new landlord and agent regulations.
• Engage with local authorities to understand any changes to licensing or inspection regimes.
• For letting agents, assess current practices against potential mandatory regulation requirements and prepare for licensing applications.

Supporting landlords through regulatory change

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to up-to-date compliance resources and practical guidance to respond to evolving landlord and agent regulations. Our developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords and agents organise property records, manage rental documentation, and keep track of compliance activities.

ORBIT’s features include tools for recording repairs, inspections and communications, which can be vital evidence in demonstrating adherence to legal obligations. Through TLA membership, landlords can also access expert advice and monitor regulatory developments to prepare for new powers and licensing regimes.

Explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to support your portfolio in meeting forthcoming challenges in the private rented sector.

Looking ahead, landlords and agents should remain vigilant as government proposals develop. Early preparation and engagement with compliance resources will be essential to navigate potential new enforcement and regulatory frameworks effectively.

Sources: Landlord Today