SOUTHEND Council is setting its sights on rogue landlords and letting agents ahead of sweeping new Government laws.

The council has welcomed legislation designed to outlaw often extortionate letting agent fees, which is expected to be in place by the end of the year.

The Government’s White Paper – Fixing our broken housing market – includes proposals to ban letting agents fees for those renting privately.

It follows a campaign by Lawrence Davies and fellow Independent councillor Tino Callaghan launched a campaign last year to name and shame companies behind excessive charges.

Mark Flewitt, councillor responsible for housing, is also encouraging local letting agents and landlords to join the South East Alliance of Landlords (SEAL). He said: “These fees are often exorbitant and unnecessary, and can make what is already a difficult and expensive process that much more difficult and unattainable.

“Along with the national legislation we are keen locally to encourage as many landlords and letting agents to join SEAL, which works very hard to ensure clear, good and fair standards and practices are achieved in the private rented sector. I would urge anyone not already signed up to do the right thing and register with them now.”