Harrow Council vow to 'always take action' against rogue landlords, as new figure show London councils fail to meet standards.

New figures show a quarter of London councils are failing to prosecute a single landlord for providing unsafe accommodation in 2015/2016.

London Lib Dem AM Caroline Pidgeon conducted a survey that showed government funding cuts to local councils had resulted in a threadbare patchwork of enforcement against London's rogue landlords.

A total of 1,453 inspections were carried out in Harrow, using the housing health and safety rating system in 2015/2016 and the number of category 1 hazards were 213.

Hazards labelled under category 1 are severe issues that would require an improvement notice to be served.

Harrow Council has introduced selective licensing schemes in Wealdstone and Edgware, two wards identified with several issues with the private rented sector.

Harrow Councillor Graham Henson, portfolio holder for environment, crime and community safety said they were continuously working to improve this sector.

Cllr Henson said: “No one should ever live a home which poses a risk to their health and wellbeing.

"We will always take action against rogue landlords where there is evidence to do so and to make it more difficult for these landlords, our licensing scheme means landlords must prove their premises are safe for tenants to live in.”

Earlier this year, housing charity Shelter revealed that one in twenty renters believe they have recently rented from a rogue landlord.

A total of 60 per cent of renters had experienced damp, mould, leaking roofs or windows, electrical hazards, animal infestation or gas leaks.

Ms Pidgeon added: “Most landlords are of course responsible people, but sadly an element are not.

"Basic standards must be upheld for the two million people in London who now live in private rented accommodation.”