The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has confirmed public access will be permitted to its database of rogue landlords.  This will allow tenants and landlords access to its database and follows a consultation that commenced in July 2019 on whether or not the public should have access to the database.

The exact form of the database or how it will be accessed is currently not clear.  The Planning Act 2016 requires the creation of a database of landlords and agents subject to a banning order or where they have been convicted of a banning order office.  The database is currently maintained by local authorities.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities revealed a ‘new deal’ for renters in the Renters Reform Bill published in May 2022.  Among other proposals in the Bill was a Property Portal and ban on ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions.  It is assumed the Property Portal envisaged in the Bill will allow access to the rogue landlord database.  The Bill records the Property Portal will be a hub for providing information for tenants regarding their rights and will seek to remedy disputes between landlords and tenants.

We will keep you updated on developments as they occur.  If you require assistance regarding a property issue then contact our property team who can assist with both transaction buying and selling of property.  We can help with property disputes, recovery of property and rent and possession of your property from tenants.