‘ROGUE’ housing landlords could be forced to pay up to £30,000 under new enforcement powers.

Set to be introduced by Burnley Council, the powers would be used against landlords who fail to comply with offences such as overcrowding.

The national legislation was brought in as alternative to prosecution.

It could also be used for failing to comply to improvement notices and offences relating to licensing of properties.

Cllr John Harbour, executive member for housing and environment for the council, said the council was willing to work with private landlords and support them in providing good quality housing.

He said: “I’m pleased to say the majority of private landlords in our borough are professional and follow the rules.

“However there are a number of landlords who don’t follow the rules and don’t look after their tenants properly.

“The use of these new powers will support the ongoing work that the council carries out to tackle these so-called rogue landlords.

“The civil penalties, and the use of rent repayment orders, could be a powerful deterrent to rogue behaviour through the enforcement of significant financial penalties.”

The new policy will also extend the council’s powers to use rent repayment orders, which are currently applied in cases where a landlord has failed to obtain a licence for their premises under selective licensing.

This new power will mean that landlords may have to repay rent to the local authority for a period of up to 12 months.

Cllr Mark Townsend, leader of the council, said: “Almost all our landlords are great with their tennants and provide excellent quality housing.

“These new powers are now available to us so its only right we have the ability to use them.

“The isolated landlords who do not abide by the rules will hopefully be encouraged to follow every rule as they could face a large fine.”

The council’s executive group is recommended to approve the council’s policy at its next meeting on Tuesday, July 4, at Burnley Town Hall in Manchester Road from 6.30pm.