Uni of York research suggests criminal landlords exploiting renters
They are calling for stronger collaboration and action to tackle tenant abuse
Research conducted by universities including York, Northumbria, and Sheffield has exposed significant failings in the system meant to hold rogue landlords accountable.
The findings, outlined in four reports, reveal that repeat offenders operating in the private rental market often face minimal consequences under current enforcement laws. These include fines as low as £100 for illegal eviction offences. Additionally, fewer than 40 landlords have received banning orders under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 in the past 10 years.
According to Dr Julie Rugg from the University of York, lack of sufficient deterrents has opened the private rental sector to abuse, including scams, dangerous living conditions, and money laundering.
“The deterrent for these crimes are so weak that criminality, such as rent-to-rent scams, slum rentals, cannabis farms, and money laundering have become embedded in the rental system,” she said.
Dr Rugg noted that vulnerable tenants can face terrifying consequences, such as unlawful evictions that leave them homeless and without possessions. In some cases, courts and police have exacerbated these situations.
Researchers argue that illegal eviction legislation, originating in the 1970s, is outdated and requires urgent reform. Furthermore, police and councils often lack clarity on their roles in tackling these offences effectively.
Better support and collaboration needed
The University of Sheffield’s Dr Xavier L’Hoiry says that exploitation within the rental sector can range from unsafe housing to organised crime activities like human trafficking and benefit fraud.
“Our report shows distinct patterns of exploitation. We have slum landlords who rent out unsafe or overcrowded accommodation; scam landlords that often illegally convert properties into multiple occupancy or use fake tenancy agreements; and criminal letting agents, who may facilitate illegal activities such as cannabis farms,” Dr L’Hoiry said.
The reports recommend a review of the Protection from Eviction Act to provide stronger safeguards for tenants. Other suggestions include simpler council processes for prosecuting landlords and better access to Rent Repayment Orders for tenants who have suffered harm.
Professor Georgios Antonopoulos from Northumbria University emphasised the need for systemic change to disrupt exploitative practices.
“Changing a single element will not be enough. The findings point to the need for coordinated interventions across the whole system,” he said.
The impact of abuse
Safer Renting, a renter advocacy service involved in the research, shared testimonies from tenants who suffered mistreatment and unlawful evictions.
One tenant described arriving home to find her belongings in black bags on the street after her landlord evicted her for asking too many questions.
Another, David Scully, Deputy Head of Safer Renting, highlighted the psychological, physical, and financial damage inflicted on renters by abusive landlords.
“This report details the scars carried by renters who have experienced shocking levels of abuse at the hands of their landlords and agents,” Scully said.
While legislation such as the upcoming Renters Rights Act may help improve standards, researchers stress that adequate funding for enforcement teams is crucial for meaningful changes in the private rental sector.