As well as looking at whether councils have sufficient powers to deal with bad practices, the group of MPs will consider what barriers there are to them intervening in the private rented sector.
Chair of the committee Clive Betts said: “With a big rise in the number of people renting over the last decade, there are real concerns about the ability of local authorities to protect tenants by tackling bad landlords and practices.
‘Our inquiry will examine how local authorities can carry out enforcement work to deal with rogue landlords as well as looking at approaches used by councils to provide private rented accommodation in their areas.”
The inquiry follows a report published by the committee in 2013, which highlighted where the government should take action to improve the private rented sector.
The recommendations included reviewing and simplifying legislation covering the sector and giving local authorities the tools they need to enforce the law and raise standards.
Landlords were granted new powers in April this year, including the ability to fine ‘rogue landlords’ up to £30,000. This income can be retained by councils to use for private sector housing enforcement.
The CLG is now asking for written evidence for this inquiry, which must be submitted by 24 November.
