English councils are poised to receive new funding and training to intensify their crackdown on rogue landlords.
All 317 local authorities will share £41 million, following an initial £18 million commitment last autumn.
This investment will prepare councils for strengthened powers and responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act due to come into force on 1 May.
The legislation will impose a “duty to enforce” on local authorities, legally obliging them to ensure landlords adhere to new rules.
These include bans on bidding wars between prospective tenants and no-fault evictions.
Landlords who seriously or repeatedly breach the law will also face significantly higher penalties, with fines increasing to a maximum of £40,000 – an additional £10,000 on the current limit.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the Government had been preparing councils to use their new powers “on the minority of landlords who rip off their tenants, and this new funding will help councils carry out their duties”.
Some £50 million will be invested in modernising the civil courts, which the government hopes will help to process disputes, though this is for the system as a whole and not just for rent cases.
“The Renters’ Rights Act is historic, and our courts and tribunals must stand ready to deliver justice,” courts minister Sarah Sackman said.
Chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, Ben Beadle, welcomed the announcement as evidence that the Government is “serious about tackling those who bring the sector into disrepute”.
“Rogue landlords have no place in the private rented sector and every effort should be made by local authorities to drive them from the market,” he said.
Chief executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is a vital step in addressing the power imbalance between tenants and landlords.
“But the law will only reach into people’s homes and make a positive difference to their lives if councils are able to take actions against landlords who don’t follow the new rules.
“Therefore, we’re pleased to see the Government commit further funding for councils, boosting their ability to make sure renters feel the benefit of the changes from May 1.”