Burnley Council set to get tougher on 'rogue landlords'

The council’s Executive Committee is recommended to approve the implementation of discretionary powers under the Tenants Fee Act 2019 which will support and complement the work already being carried out by the local authority to improve standards in the private rented sector across the borough.

The new powers will help ensure tenants are not charged unlawful and unaffordable fees.

Coun. Ivor Emo, the Executive member for housing and leisure, said: “The council works well with responsible landlords who have the best interests of their tenants at heart. What we won’t do is allow rogue landlords to take advantage of their tenants who can sometimes be in a very vulnerable position.

“These new powers will be added to the ones we already possess and use to ensure residents are protected from being taken for a ride.”

The legislation sets out what landlords and managing agents can charge, including areas such as rent, refundable deposits and payments for the variation of a tenancy.

Charging a prohibited fee is a civil offence and councils can serve a civil penalty notice of up to £5,000 and require a landlord to repay the tenant.

The executive will meet on February 17th.