Sadiq Khan, Labour’s mayoral hopeful, has set out plans for a new referendum on the housing crisis. He plans to introduce a website where the capital’s rogue landlords will be named and shamed. He hopes that the website will help people looking for rental accommodation in London score a much better deal. He is also hoping to set up a non-profit letting agency in London, which would promote good landlords who offer their tenants stable rents.
A Database of Landlords in London
The new website is based on a similar scheme implemented by the New York mayor, Bill de Blasio. It would act as a comprehensive database of landlords who have previously been prosecuted for housing offences.
The Government is “Not Doing Enough” Says Khan
Mr Khan says the Tory government is not doing enough to help renters in the capital, although David Cameron has recently announced plans to crack down on rogue landlords and dodgy letting agents.
Speaking at the launch of his mayoral manifesto today in Canary Wharf, Mr Khan told his audience: “Most landlords treat their tenants well, but I’m determined to name and shame the rogue ones who break the rules.”
Mr Khan also plans to tackle a number of other issues, including freezing high fares, tackling extremism, improving air quality and cycling routes, dealing with skills shortages and low wages, and introducing better neighbourhood policing strategies.
Zac Goldsmith, Mr Khan’s main rival, remains sceptical. “Khan’s plans don’t survive even the gentlest scrutiny,” he said. “This isn’t a manifesto, it’s fantasy politics.”
