On 13 December 2016, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) launched a consultation on proposed 'banning order' offences under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 (2016 Act).
Section 14 of the 2016 Act, which is yet to come into force, introduces a power for the First-Tier Tribunal to serve a banning order preventing a landlord or property agent from letting housing in England, or engaging in letting agency or property management work in England.
The intention behind the legislation is to give local authorities greater power in taking action against rogue landlords and property agents who have been convicted of serious offences, or are prolific offenders. The 'banning order offences' which can lead to a banning order are to be specified in secondary legislation.
For further advice contact a member of our Commercial Property Team.
Please read Reliance on information posted in our Terms of Website Use - see Legal section - before relying on this commentary.