Speaking about the raft of changes which came into affect on Thursday, housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell said: “These measures will give councils the additional powers they need to tackle poor-quality rental homes in their area.“By driving out of business those rogue landlords that continue to flout the rules, we can raise standards, improve affordability and give tenants the protections they need.”Councils can now impose fines of up to £30,000 – which they can retain for private sector housing enforcement purposes – as an alternative to prosecution for a range of housing offences.

They also have extended powers for rent repayment orders, which can be issued to penalise landlords managing or letting unlicensed properties.In addition, local authorities now have access to tenancy deposit protection data which can help them identify rental properties in their area, and tackle rogue landlords through targeted enforcement and prevention work.