New powers to clamp down on private rented sector
landlords who do not take action against organised crime in their properties
were announced in the Queen’s speech. The new offence, carrying a sentence of
up to five years’ imprisonment, will apply to owners of residential properties
who fail to report suspicions that premises are being used for crime. They
could be prosecuted for ‘participating in an organised crime group’. Organisations that adopt a ‘no questions
asked’ approach and then claim in court they were unaware of the criminal
activity will no longer be allowed to do so with impunity. The law will also
apply to lawyers and other professionals. Read more on Inside Housing.
