Council's £714k private rental funding boost

City of Wolverhampton Council has announced it will invest an extra £714,000 into dealing with rogue landlords and protecting residents in private rental accomodation.

The move comes in preparation for the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act, which comes into force on 1 May.

The act requires councils to take a proactive role in regulating the private sector, including investigating breaches, issuing civil penalties and enforcing landlord legislation.

The Labour-run council said the funding came as "part of a wider package of housing measures aimed at improving living standards across Wolverhampton for all residents".

The Renters' Rights Act, which aims to improve tenant protections and housing standards, also expands the council's investigatory powers.

It enables officers to obtain information from landlords, agents, banks, and other organisations, and to enter premises where offences are suspected, the authority said.

"We recognise there are many excellent landlords in Wolverhampton who provide a very valuable housing offer," said Steve Evans, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for city housing.

"However, we will not tolerate rogue landlords taking advantage of tenants and we will use powers to investigate and take action, which can include using court injunctions and prosecution."

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