NEW measures have been introduced to crackdown on rogue landlords.

The legislation is aimed at stamping out bad practices, overcrowded homes and improve standards for people living in rented accommodation.

The range of measures are being looked at by district council officers.

The Housing and Planning Act 2016 changes include penalties of up to £30,000 for infringements, the extension of Rent Repayment Orders to cover illegal eviction and banning orders for the most serious and prolific rogue landlords.

Hambleton District Council’s Councillor Stephen Watson, said: “Generally within Hambleton landlords are responsible, provide good accommodation and are happy to carry out works voluntarily if problems are identified by enforcement officers.

“But we do come across a small number of rogue or criminal landlords who knowingly rent out unsafe and substandard accommodation.

“This is when enforcement action is needed to ensure the property can be brought up to the required standard.”

Cllr Watson said it is beneficial to have a range of enforcement powers to be able to address a situation quickly, to act as a deterrent and to be able to share information with other local authorities where the landlord may have other rental properties.

The legislative changes are currently being explored with a report expected to go before councillors in the autumn.

Part of the measures include councils being able to apply minimum size requirements for bedrooms in houses of multiple occupations to prevent overcrowding.