New data gathered by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) shows that less than half the fines levied against rogue landlords have been collected by local authorities. 

According to FOI data obtained by the NRLA, between 2021 and 2023 £13m worth of civil penalties were issued by councils. However, just £6m has so far been collected. 

Local authorities can issue civil penalties of up to £30,000 for a range of offences committed by rogue landlords. These can be used to fund further enforcement activity. 

The data also reveals how almost half of local authorities (49%) have not issued any civil penalties between 2021 and 2023, whilst 69% had issued just five or fewer. 

The figures come as the Renters (Reform) Bill, currently going through Parliament, extends the range of offences that councils can issue civil penalties for, raising the question of how able they will be to use these newly acquired powers when almost half are not using the very considerable powers they already have. 

The NRLA is calling for the creation of a new national Chief Environmental Health Officer to lead the charge for improved enforcement against rogue and criminal landlords.