Romans has thrown its weight behind the banning orders being introduced in April which could see rogue letting agents and landlords prevented from working.

“We are delighted to see the government taking action on this issue. Rogue landlords and agents give the whole lettings industry a bad name and cast a negative public perception across the industry. I firmly believe that this will better protect tenants’ rights as well the wider lettings industry” says Michael Cook, lettings managing director at Romans. 

“With more and more legislation coming into effect in the lettings industry from taxation changes to ‘Right to Rent’ checks and carbon monoxide safety, it is becoming increasingly more complicated for landlords. It’s crucial that landlords stay on top of changes in the industry and ensure that their let is compliant and profitable” he adds. 

From April 2018 a database will operate, listing agents and landlords who have been banned. 

The updated legislation will result in agents and landlords who are convicted of a banning order offence being barred from working, whether as a landlord, letting agent or working as part of a property management team.

Some of the most common banning order offences are Unlawful eviction and harassment of occupier; Violence for securing entry; Failing to comply with an improvement notice; Offences in relation to licensing HMOs; Fire Safety and Gas Safety offences; Offence of harassment and stalking; Theft, Burglary, Blackmail and Handling stolen goods.