Register to let, landlords to be told

Tuesday 5th May 2009, 11:52AM BST.

Register to let, landlords to be told A new scheme forcing private landlords to register nationally is being considered by ministers.

Professional landlords, buy-to-let landlords and even accidental landlords will all be incorporated into the scheme, reports claim.

According to the Times, individuals will not be able to enter the letting market until they have registered.

The proposals, aimed at removing rogue landlords from the system, are due to be announced in a green paper before the end of the month.

A register already exists in Scotland where it is a criminal offence not to sign up – meaning if the landlord is caught tenants could be exempt from paying rent.

However, there are fears small landlords may be deterred from entering the market – after already facing reams of legislation – while rogue operators will continue to work, especially in urban areas covering immigrant tenants unaware of legislation.