Lewisham Council launches taskforce to target rogue landlords

Lewisham Council has established an intelligence-led taskforce to identify non-compliant landlords and improve standards within the private rented sector. The initiative will utilize data and local intelligence to target properties where landlords may be failing their legal duties, specifically focusing on unlicensed properties, poor housing conditions, and issues such as waste mismanagement.

Enforcement measures may include statutory notices, prosecution, and fines of up to £40,000. The council reported issuing 153 enforcement notices in the current financial year, nearly matching the total from the previous year. Additionally, fines issued since April have more than doubled compared to the previous 12-month period.

Councillor Natalie Thomas, cabinet member for safer homes, homelessness and housing services, stated that the goal is to protect residents from living in dangerous or substandard conditions while encouraging all landlords to raise their standards. The taskforce will prioritize wards with a high likelihood of non-compliance or a history of enforcement action.