The Association of Residential Letting Agents has heaped praise on a local authority which has fined 27 lettings and managing agents between £1,000 and £10,000 each.

ARLA says the rigorous enforcement policies conducted by the council, Tower Hamlets in London, “demonstrates that alternative approaches to Selective Licensing, which is currently being reviewed by government, can be viable.”

The association’s praise is directed towards the council’s Private Renters’ Charter which was introduced last year after consultations with ARLA Propertymark.

“We have also been an integral part of meetings, presenting to the landlord forum and sitting on the private rental sector working group” says an ARLA statement on its website. 

The charter, which is also backed by the National Landlords Association and the pressure groups Shelter and Generation Rent, sets out what renters can expect from their tenancy and their landlord or agent. 

“It informs and educates, so that tenants better know their rights and can recognise if they are not being treated fairly by unscrupulous landlords or agents. Topics covered include safety, fees, CMP and tenancy agreements, and tenants are also encouraged to report landlord or agents who don’t abide by the charter” says ARLA.

The association says Tower Hamlets council has shown that it means a business “by getting tough on the rogue landlords and letting agents who blight the reputation of the industry and make tenants’ lives a misery.”