Billericay Estate Agent supports Rogue Landlord Scheme

A leading Billericay Estate Agent has welcomed a campaign which cracks down on rogue private landlords.

Housing charity, Shelter, launched the Evict Rogue Landlords campaign to help people avoid falling victim to rogue operators in their local area. As part of the campaign, tenants are able to use an interactive map of rogue landlords in their local area to avoid falling victim to them.

Basildon Council which covers the Billericay area, has prosecuted three landlords in the last three years for failing to meet their legal responsibilities and will be submitting their information to the database to help local residents make an informed choice in renting a property.

Most recently, in May 2011, a landlord was prosecuted for not complying with improvement notices relating to electrical hazards at a property in Little Lullaway, Basildon. The landlord was fined £300 and £592.50 in costs.

Another rogue landlord was ordered to pay a fine of £6000 plus £1400 in costs and a £15.00 victim surcharge in May 2010 after he failed to license his three storey property in Sturrocks, Vange, as a house of multiple occupation (HMO).

In July 2009, another landlord was ordered to pay a fine of £3750.00 plus £1624.00 in costs and a £15.00 victim surcharge for not licensing her house in Wickhay, Basildon, as a HMO.

Jeremy Tyler, Managing Director of Tyler Estates in Billericay, said: “Although the vast majority of private landlords provide a good standard of well managed accommodation, there are a dangerous minority of rogue landlords who are making residents’ lives a misery and bringing good landlords into disrepute. This can be limited if you rent property through a reputable Estate Agent.”

Earlier this week, Shelter made five recommendations to Housing Minister Grant Shapps to tackle landlords who break the law, recognising the important role local authorities have in enforcing minimum standards in homes that are privately rented.

To Report a Rogue, get advice, or to find out more about the rogue landlords who may be operating in your area, visit Shelter’s Rogue Landlord Watch website at www.shelter.org.uk/evictroguelandlords