LANDLORDS who fail to take action against anti-social tenants or rent out substandard housing could be struck off North Ayrshire Council’s landlord register in future.

The Council’s Licensing Committee is responsible for overseeing the registration of private landlords and has powers to ensure that those who are not ‘fit and proper’ face serious penalties.

If the Committee decides a landlord is not ‘fit and proper’ to act as a landlord, it can refuse or remove their Registration and serve a Rent Penalty Notice.

This means the landlord cannot charge the tenant rent or receive housing benefit from the council.

Councillor Tom Marshall, Depute Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “Anti-social behaviour can be extremely stressful for neighbours, whether it involves loud music being played in the middle of the night, people visiting at night or disposing of waste in common grounds such as closes and shared gardens.” Leasing substandard housing and failing to carry out essential repairs can also result in action.

In order to legally operate as a landlord, a property owner must be officially registered with the Council. The register also allows tenants and neighbours to identify the property owner and contact them where necessary.

Councillor Marshall added: “Tenants are clearly responsible for their own behaviour. However, there is also an onus on landlords to take action where necessary.” Landlords can register online while the public can find out whether a landlord is registered by calling 01294 324305 or visiting www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk.