A lettings agency has issued a warning to tenants to protect themselves following a claim that the city in which it operates is one of the worst in the UK for rogue landlords. 

AcornLettings in Nottingham says data from 2006 to 2014 suggests that the city is one of the top 10 locations for prosecutions against rogue landlords. 

There were reportedly some 46 prosecutions against rogue landlords in Nottinghamshire between 2006 and 2014 and fines against landlords reached over £141,000.

AcornLettings managing director Richard Hopwood says: “Obviously poor housing has a severe effect on a tenant’s health and well-being and the problem of rogue landlords has been a serious concern across Nottinghamshire.”

The agent also claims it is very easy for a landlord to be considered a ‘rogue’ landlord, despite having the best intentions, if rigorous legislation around rental properties is not adhered to.

Nottingham city council’s environmental health team served landlords who were deliberately avoiding licensing their properties with more than 750 enforcement notices during the past year alone, AcornLettings claims.

“There are over 300 bits of legislation in every tenancy which highlights the risks involved with renting privately or becoming a DIY landlord” says Hopwood.