The NLA said councils must make enforcement a high priority to swiftly deal with rogue landlords that exploit their tenants.
This follows research by Shelter that revealed a “small but dangerous” group of landlords are bringing the private rented sector into disrepute, damaging the lives of vulnerable tenants and leaving rundown properties to blight communities.
David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said: “We roundly condemn the worst excesses in the private-rented sector where a small minority of landlords choose to exploit their tenants by offering sub-standard property which can endanger lives.
“This is unacceptable and local authorities must act.”
He agreed with Shelter that most landlords are responsible and honest, but said landlords that ignored the rules that protect tenants should face severe penalties.
Salusbury said: “Local authorities simply must do better by adopting a zero tolerance approach to those landlords who wilfully break the law.
“If this rogue element within the sector goes unchallenged, then reputable landlords are tarnished and the image of the private-rented sector is damaged.”
