London's landlords face tougher regulations

A pilot scheme in Camden targeting rogue landlords is being expanded to eight more London boroughs, including Barnet, Ealing, and Lewisham, to tackle unsafe, mould-ridden, and poorly maintained rental properties. Using Rent Repayment Orders and access to Universal Credit data, councils can now reclaim up to 24 months of rent from landlords who ignore safety standards, protecting tenants and taxpayers alike. The scheme aims to safeguard around 400,000 households across England and strengthen enforcement against landlords who exploit the housing benefit system. Officials say the rollout will ensure safer homes, deter criminality in the private rental sector, and recover public funds for reinvestment in housing improvements.

London Evening Standard