In the last few months, we have started a new crackdown on fining letting agents who introduce hidden charges or fail to sign up to a redress scheme for if disputes emerge with tenants. These are not optional obligations: they are rights renters have. As part of this process our Trading Standards teams have issued ten penalty notices worth up to £50,000 on letting agents who have failed to meet their obligations. Our message is very simply: if you try to pull this stunt in Lambeth, we won’t hesitate to fine you. We’ve also be using new powers from legislation passed this year which bans prohibited landlord fees: we’re currently working with businesses to make sure these are enforced. Find out more here.