Council pledge to fine landlords “keeping deposits unnecessarily”

A council says it’s going to clampdown on landlords who are “keeping deposits unnecessarily” and agents “charging unpermitted fees.”The pledge comes from North East Lincolnshire council which has announced it’s adopted the Lettings Legislation Penalty Notice policy.

It says this give’s the council’s Trading Standards officers “powers to crackdown on landlords that surprise tenants with hidden costs” with fines of up to £30,000.

The authority says its officers will particularly police the need for rental deposits to be held in an approved Client Money Protection scheme, respect for the Tenant Fees Ban, and ensuring agents are in an appropriate redress scheme.Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, says: “The law aims to make renting fairer and more affordable for tenants. It is vital that their money is protected and that they are treated fairly.

“With the private rented sector increasing, so have concerns over safety, standards and unfair practices. Providing safe homes is paramount and we hope to improve the health and wellbeing of tenants so they feel more safe and secure in their homes. 

“We will target rogue letting agents and landlords who take advantage of their tenants, for example, charging unpermitted fees or keeping their deposits unnecessarily. Our Trading Standards officers want to educate and explain, with enforcement being a last resort. But they will not hesitate to take action if it is needed.”

This policy mirrors the policy developed by the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team.

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