Agent With Local Authority and Other Agencies

Most local authorities have a section looking at bringing empty homes back into use, and there are sometimes grants available to bring properties up to the required standards. Some local authorities will take a lease on a property and use it for housing people on their waiting list. Local authorities are often keen to work with agents and will have landlords' forums and accreditation schemes.

On the other hand, local authorities have enforcement responsibilities and must enforce the law against bad landlords and agents. It is not always widely known that local authorities must ensure residential properties are in reasonable condition and have the power to enforce owners to bring properties up to standard. Other agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive, Trading Standards and the Police have an enforcement role with agents in the private rented sector.