Hounslow Council says it s stepping up efforts to prosecute rogue letting agents and landlords who fail to meet legal standards, as part of a wider bid to protecting tenants across the borough.
The latest enforcement campaign targets unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), poor property conditions, and illegal rentals.
According to the local authority, its council enforcement officers are conducting rigorous inspections and investigations to ensure landlords comply with health and safety regulations, licensing requirements, and the correct tenancy agreements.
Over the past six months, the council has issued fines totalling more than £180,000 to landlords and letting agencies for breaches of property standards, with the average fine reaching £14,000. As part of this ongoing campaign, Hounslow Council will publicly name and shame those landlords who continue to flout legal requirements.
Cllr Tom Bruce, deputy leader and cabinet member for Assets, Regeneration and Development at Hounslow Council, said: “We stand firmly with tenants and communities, supporting people’s right to live in a secure, well-maintained homes. Most landlords provide safe and decent housing, but we will not tolerate those who exploit renters or neglect their responsibilities. “Where landlords fail in their duty of care, we will act decisively, issuing the strongest penalties available whenever possible.”
