Rogue Landlord Project

In late 2015, both Boston Borough Council and City of Lincoln Council made successful bids for funding from the Government to target rogue landlords operating in their areas.

In Boston, this was additional funding to continue the work that had been carried out under the first tranche received in early 2014.

Throughout February and March 2016 officers from the Council’s Private Sector Housing Team will be working alongside Lincolnshire Police officers to carry out property visits at various locations in Boston.

Many of these inspections will be carried out at evenings and weekends to maximise the opportunity for tenants to be at home and thus allowing access rather than the Council having to use more formal powers of entry. These powers will however be used where necessary.

The focus of the Council’s work will continue to be identifying sub-standard and poorly managed rented properties; the partnership with Lincolnshire Police will ensure that any activities within their jurisdiction are also identified and dealt with.

Tenants, letting agents, landlords and property owners are encouraged to speak to the Council’s Private Sector Housing Team on 01205 314563 if they have any queries following contact with this latest round of enforcement activity.

The Council’s anonymous Rogue Landlord hotline for reporting any issues is 01205 314333

In Lincoln, following the announcement that the funding bid had been successful, a team was put together to carry out inspections in central Lincoln seeking out unsafe living conditions and exploited tenants. Action will be taken against those who are responsible.

The team of 5 surveyors, supported by interpreters from PAB Translation Centre, have been targeting an area around Sincil Bank, visiting every address in a chosen street.

If a property is deemed to be a cause for concern a return visit will be arranged. This method, as proven in Boston previously, allows for more visits to be carried out with the focus being on the properties that are unsafe.

Where action is required formal notices of entry will be served. The team has some tight targets to meet, including 34 full street surveys and 520 inspections carried out before the end of March 2016. It is anticipated that this project will carry over some work into the following months which will be picked up by the council outside of this funding.

This is a very exciting project which will influence the council’s private housing enforcement strategy. The council hopes that the professional, responsible landlords will support this work and will welcome the drive to find and deal with unsafe conditions.

For further information contact Alan Jones, Private Housing Team Leader: 01522 873791

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