Lewisham Council has launched a new intelligence-led taskforce to target non-compliant landlords and raise standards across the borough's private rented sector.

The Lewisham Rogue Landlords Taskforce will use data and targeted inspections to identify landlords failing to meet legal duties, focusing on licensed properties with compliance concerns, suspected unlicensed homes, and areas linked to poor conditions or fly-tipping.

Privately rented homes make up around a third of the borough’s housing stock.

So far this financial year, the council has issued 153 enforcement notices – nearly matching last year's total – and fines totalling £160,875, more than double the previous year's figure, following new legislation enabling larger penalties.

The taskforce will prioritise wards with higher non-compliance risk, with enforcement ranging from civil penalties to prosecution, while continuing to support landlords who meet their obligations, according to the council.

Comment

Cllr Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, said: ‘Improving conditions for renters in Lewisham has been one of my top priorities since I was appointed. Everyone deserves a safe, stable and decent place to live. Most landlords want to do the right thing, but we know there are still too many cases where tenants are being forced to live in properties that are mouldy, rat-infested or downright dangerous because their landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities.

‘Landlords who cut corners and break the rules should expect to be caught, but we also want this work to encourage landlords across the borough to raise their standards before enforcement action is needed. Getting fined up to £40,000 is not a good way to save money.

‘By targeting rogue landlords, we can drive up standards across the private rented sector, protect residents and make sure those who break the rules are held to account.’