The council at the centre of one of the planning controversies involving Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has issued a warning to the buy to let sector.

Tower Hamlets council – which recently won its case to have Jenrick’s planning ruling about a huge £2 billion luxury homes development declared illegal – has this week revealed that other legal actions have helped tenants claim back more than £100,000 from rogue landlords in the past year.

The money was recovered using rent repayment orders that allow the council and tenants to get back up to 12 months’ rent from landlords who fail to license properties when they are required to do so.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, says: “Our licensing schemes don’t only protect tenants, they also benefit legitimate landlords by raising standards across the industry. This is just one example of how we’re working to improve the housing landscape for landlords and renters across Tower Hamlets.”

And councillor Sirajul Islam, Cabinet Member for Housing, adds: “We know that the majority of landlords play by the rules, but sadly there will always be some who put profit ahead of the people who live in their properties.

“We want to work with landlords to ensure that the licensing process is safe, regulated and improves the lives of managing agents and tenants. Given the penalties that can be incurred by falling foul of our regulations, it really isn’t worth the risk of letting an unlicensed property.”

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