"The reality today is that far too many renters are living in damp, dangerous, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them."

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations

In May 2023, the Renters (Reform) Bill was introduced to Parliament to improve renters' rights and living conditions while addressing issues in the private rented sector. The bill seeks to deliver a better deal for renters by abolishing 'no-fault' evictions and reforming landlord possession grounds, as outlined in the private rented sector white paper published in June 2022.

1.6 million people in the UK are living in dangerously low-quality homes in a state of disrepair, with temperature and moisture issues, or without functioning bathrooms and kitchens. 20% of privately rented home fail decency standards and one in 8 privately rented homes, pose an immediate risk to tenants’ health and safety, according to the Government's latest Housing Survey (England).

The effects of living in a dangerously low-quality home can seriously damage a resident's health, with damp, cold and mouldy conditions causing respiratory problems and costing the NHS £340 million a year. Poor housing can impact productivity, quality of work and school performance as well as being significantly detrimental to mental health.

Within the rented sector, a ‘rogue landlord’ is a landlord who rents out unsafe or substandard accommodation to tenants, many of whom may be vulnerable. The government estimates that there are approximately 10,500 rogue landlords currently operating across the country.

Join us for the third conference in the series, as we examine the key issues surrounding tackling rogue landlords, looking at campaigns from key organisations across local government, housing and the third sector, including case study examples from councils that have been successful in enforcement. Network with other delegates and engage with speakers in the drive to tackle rogue landlords in the UK.