Landlords could have to re-pay 12 months’ worth of
housing benefit if they illegally evict tenants or fail to maintain their
properties, under government plans. A government discussion paper says, “An
effective enforcement regime is essential to drive up housing standards in the
private rented sector and tackle criminal landlords.” The document says
ministers are “exploring the scope” for extending ‘rent repayment orders’ – a
tool in which a court can order a landlord to repay up to 12 months of rent
after an application from a council or tenant. The cash can be retained by the
local authority and used for housing purposes where the rent has been paid
through housing benefit. Currently, rent repayment orders can only be applied
where a landlord has failed to obtain a licence for a licensable property.
Download the consultation paper from the CLG website.
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