Blackburn with Darwen Council steps up action against rogue landlords

Blackburn with Darwen Council says it is stepping up action against rogue landlords, using new Government powers to take tougher enforcement action against those who fail to provide safe and suitable homes for residents.

The council says keeping privately rented properties fit and healthy to live in remains a key priority, after it recently prosecuted three Blackburn landlords when a family was left living with damp, mould and no heating.

Its Housing Standards Team has now drawn up a new policy setting out how it will use strengthened powers, including those introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

The powers include extra fines for landlords who do not meet their legal responsibilities, and the ability to act more quickly when court action is needed.

With around one in five properties in Blackburn with Darwen privately rented, the council says the changes will help it protect tenants and raise standards across the borough.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:

“Thankfully, the vast majority of landlords in Blackburn with Darwen are responsible and provide much-needed, safe and decent homes for our residents who aren’t able to get on the property ladder.

“We will absolutely continue to support them as best we can.

“These new Government powers are for landlords who are quick to collect their rent each month but don’t meet their legal obligations – often leaving incredibly vulnerable residents in homes that just aren’t fit to live in.

“It’s wrong and it’s not something we will tolerate.

“We have an incredibly hard-working team of Housing Standards officers who deal with around 700 complaints every single year, and some of what they see is just shocking.

“These new powers mean the Council can crack down harder and faster on rogue landlords – issuing fines to those who ignore our warnings and, where needed, bring them before the courts more quickly.”

The Housing Standards Enforcement Policy sets out how the new rules will be applied to private rented housing, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and, where needed, social housing.

Officers inspect properties when complaints are made, advise tenants of their rights and support landlords to meet their legal obligations.

Councillor Mahmood added:

“First and foremost, we are here to support both residents and landlords, and we often find that complaints can be resolved quickly.

“Where the necessary action isn’t taken, then we absolutely will use these new powers – there’s no place for rogue landlords in Blackburn with Darwen.

“Our residents deserve somewhere safe to call home. They shouldn’t have to live in properties riddled with damp and mould or without heating, like the family in the case we prosecuted recently.”

The council says its website has a dedicated housing section with information on housing support and advice, along with guides for landlords and residents explaining the new Renters’ Rights Act. Residents can also contact the Housing Standards Team by emailing housingstandards@blackburn.gov.uk.