Lewisham launches rogue landlord taskforce with proactive inspections of licensed and unlicensed rentals

Lewisham Council has launched a new Rogue Landlords Taskforce, with a stated focus on suspected unlicensed private rented homes, proactive inspections and enforcement linked to housing conditions, waste and fly-tipping.

According to council comments reported by Landlord Today, the taskforce will use data and local intelligence to identify properties for action. The council says this will include inspections of licensed as well as unlicensed homes, and that it is prepared to use civil penalties, statutory notices and prosecutions where the evidence justifies it.

Check every Lewisham property against current licensing rules

For landlords and agents, the first priority is to confirm whether each property needs a licence under Lewisham’s current property licensing schemes. That may include a mandatory HMO licence, and depending on the address and use, an additional or selective licence.

Because scheme coverage, dates and fees can change, it is important to verify each address directly on Lewisham Council’s website rather than relying on old records or assumptions. Keep a copy of the result on file.

Getting licensing wrong can have serious consequences. Operating a licensable property without the correct licence can lead to civil penalties or prosecution. It may also affect a landlord’s position on section 21 notice validity and expose them to applications for rent repayment orders.

Make sure safety documents and inspection records are easy to produce

Lewisham has indicated that licensed properties may also be inspected, so a licence alone will not protect a landlord where the underlying standards are poor.

Landlords should make sure each property file includes the documents required for that type of letting, which may include:

• a current gas safety record, where gas is present
• a satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• a valid EPC
• records showing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are installed where legally required
• for HMOs, any records linked to fire detection systems, emergency lighting, firefighting equipment and specific licence conditions

It is also sensible to keep inspection notes, repair logs and evidence of contractor instructions together in one place so they can be produced quickly if requested.

Condition and hazards matter as much as paperwork

The council’s enforcement comments point landlords back to the usual housing standards framework, including hazards assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Before the council carries out an inspection, landlords should review the condition of each property with particular attention to issues commonly raised in enforcement cases, such as:

• damp and mould
• excess cold
• defective windows and ventilation
• leaks and water ingress
• trip hazards and loose handrails
• pest issues
• fire safety defects
• unsafe electrics

Where a repair has already been reported, the file should show the report date, action taken, any access attempts and the completion date.

Waste and fly-tipping are part of the enforcement picture

One notable detail in Lewisham’s announcement is the link between private renting and wider neighbourhood problems such as fly-tipping and waste management.

That means landlords and agents should not treat overflowing bins or abandoned furniture as minor side issues. In practice, it is worth checking:

• whether bin capacity is adequate for the household
• whether tenants have written instructions on collection days and bulky waste disposal
• whether check-in and inspection records show the condition of any bin storage area
• whether there is evidence of any communal waste arrangements for conversions or small HMOs

If the council contacts you, respond within the stated deadline

If Lewisham writes to you or requests documents, do not ignore the correspondence. Respond within the deadline given and send documents in a clear, organised bundle.

If a formal notice is served, diarise the compliance date immediately and take advice promptly if you are considering a challenge. Delay can make an enforcement problem more expensive and harder to resolve.

What landlords should do now

A practical response for Lewisham landlords is:

1. Check each property’s licence status now against the council’s current rules.
2. Bring every compliance file up to date, including certificates, licence records, inspection notes and repair history.
3. Inspect the property condition proactively, with particular attention to likely HHSRS hazards and waste-management issues.

Lewisham’s taskforce is a confirmed local enforcement development, not a wider change in national law. But it is a clear signal that boroughs are willing to take a more proactive approach where they believe poor management, licensing failures and neighbourhood complaints overlap.

This article is general information, not legal advice.