Rogue tenants should be named and shamed on a national register, says lawyer

A petition has been launched calling on the Government to establish a national register of rogue tenants to help landlords and agents spot troublemakers before they move into properties.

The petition has been launched by property lawyer Nyree Applegarth (main picture) from West Midlands law firm Higgs LLP, who believes landlords and agents should be given more tools to spot prospective tenants with a history of poor behaviour, specifically via County Court judgements for non-payment of rent or damage to property.

Nyree says a '�Property Possession Order Register' would safeguard landlords against damage to their properties and non-payment and limit property disputes and associated litigation costs.

The petition, which can be signed here, follows the Government's launch of a national register for landlords in England within its Renters' Reform Bill going through parliament at the moment.

Nyree says she is aware that an applicant checking service would be controversial following recent comments by the NRLA that it could lead to discrimination.

But the lawyer claims that tenant referencing does not go far enough, saying that 'just like when you apply for job, you will only ask for a reference from someone you know will respond positively.

'Even if the reference comes from an employer, they don't really know how that person acts as a tenant.

'I am campaigning for the introduction of a Property Possession Order Register. That way landlords would be able to see what, if any, orders have been granted against that person in previous properties, either for non-payment or damage.

'This would help protect hardworking, honest landlords against poor tenants.'�

Nyree also says that landlords face increasing financial and regulatory pressures now, and that a Property Possession Order Register, administered by the courts, would help 'alleviate these concerns and could help reassure some landlords sufficiently to stay in the sector'�, she adds.

'Property disputes would also inevitably reduce, along with the costs of lengthy litigation.'�

To sign the petition, visit https://chng.it/5cPKPZyg