SOUTHEND Council is leading the way in its crackdown on rogue landlords, despite securing just six prosecutions out of almost 2,000 complaints from residents. 

A selective licensing scheme was launched by Southend Council in 2021 to clampdown on landlords and a Freedom of Information request has revealed the council ranks in the top 20 per cent nationally for prosecutions. 

The data reveals that almost half of all authorities across the country did not take a single landlord to court in the last five years while Southend prosecuted six from 1,983 complaints. 

This included a three-year banning order secured against Ruhul Shamsuddin in August which barred him from letting properties. 

Anne Jones, councillor for housing and planning, said: “The recent prosecution and three-year banning order against Ruhul Shamsuddin, the first in Essex, demonstrates our decisive action. 

“Our inspections revealed severe safety issues at two properties, and we worked to rehouse vulnerable families in safer accommodation.

“We will continue to deal with complaints appropriately and take strong action and prosecute where necessary to ensure all residents have access to secure and decent housing.”

The Freedom of Information Act request during the investigation sent to all councils found that, of those who responded, almost two-thirds have prosecuted a maximum of one landlord in five years, despite councils receiving close to half a million complaints or service requests from tenants.

Southend Council’s landlord licensing scheme means all landlords must have a licence to rent our their homes and homes are inspected to ensure standards are up to scratch. 

Ms Jones added: “Our selective licensing scheme ensures we can effectively address residents’ concerns, improve housing standards, and tackle rogue landlords.

“Recent data shows Southend City Council ranks second in Essex and in the top 20 per cent nationally for housing-related prosecutions. 

“This highlights our commitment to safeguarding tenants’ rights by holding landlords accountable where it is appropriate, and we have a legal case to do so.”

The Renters’ Rights Coalition has described the findings as “worrying”.

For more information, visit https://www.publicinterestlawyers.co.uk/statistics-and-research-on-landlord-prosecutions-in-britain