ARLA has branded the government’s long-awaited database of rogue landlords as “pointless” because it will not be made public.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is this week fulfilling a long-standing pledge to introduce a database of landlords described as “serious and prolific offenders.” 

Most are thought to have been serial offenders against local licensing schemes and in failing to keep their properties in habitable conditions. 

However, David Cox – chief executive of the Association of Residential Letting Agents – says what was originally a good idea has been watered down.

“When this legislation was first announced, we were wildly supportive – anything which will help eradicate bad letting agents and landlords has our full support” he says. 

“However, the outcome is disappointing. The database won’t be public, which means no one will be able to see it and therefore letting agents and landlords who are on the list can continue operating with impunity. This appears to be a pointless exercise; if the list were made public – like the equivalent for estate agents – rogue agents and landlords would leave the market for good” he adds.