Lax landlords take notice6 June 2003Negligent Landlords beware. New measures were introduced this month giving the Council the power to charge landlords served with enforcement notices. From 2 June, landlords will be charged a flat fee of £300 when certain enforcement notices are served on them. An enforcement notice requires landlords to bring their properties up to the housing standards required under law. Under the legislation landlords will incur a charge for disrepair notices, notices to remedy unfitness, notices to make properties fit for the number of occupiers, demolition orders and deferred action notices. From the date the Council makes its demand, the enforcement notice becomes a local land charge. Most landlords pay up immediately. And for those who do not, the charge remains registered on the property until it is sold. At this point the Council receives the money, with accrued interest. The successful experience of other councils, particularly in the neighbouring City of Westminster, suggests it will prove an effective measure in the Borough. Cllr Coleridge, Cabinet Member for Housing said: "The Royal Borough provides an excellent range of free advice to landlords on the standards required. This move will encourage a few shoddy landlords to take the Council's advice seriously and to comply with the law." Further information on enforcement notices can be obtained from our Customer Service team on 020 7341 5282 or by emailing env.hlth@rbkc.gov.uk. For further information contact Press and Public Relations.
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