The government has beefed up its support for councils identifying and prosecuting rogue landlords.

Yesterday the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government published two new guidance documents today – one for councils and one for tenants and landlords – signalling what the Whitehall department calls “the latest step in the government cracking down on the small minority of criminal landlords who exploit tenants for their own gains.”

The guidance for councils includes a “digital enforcement package with online learning modules” while the guide for tenants and landlords brings together the rights and responsibilities of each, and provides links to additional guidance.

Housing Minister Heather Wheeler MP says: “This package of support for those working on the frontline of the private rented sector will ensure they are fully equipped to make use of any new powers which can improve the lives of tenants trapped in poor quality accommodation.

“This, along with our further guidance for tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities, builds on the ongoing work which sets out to make renting fairer and more accessible for all whilst also ensuring that everyone has a home which is safe and secure.”