Glasgow's rogue landlords are being warned they now risk a £50,000 fine if they continue to avoid registering with the city council.

Around 6000 private landlords in Glasgow are estimated to have so far failed to record their details with the council despite having a clear legal responsibility to do. A landlord applying to register gives the council the opportunity to determine whether the individual is a 'fit and proper' person to rent out property.

The landlord register is regarded as a key element in the bid to drive up standards and ensure decent housing for tenants. Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, believes that those landlords who have dodged their obligation to register will have now have no grounds to complain if the toughest possible action is taken against them.

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Councillor Matheson: "The time for excuses from those landlords who have shown no regard for their legal responsibilities is running out. Landlords have known for years that they have a duty to ensure they are properly registered. It is completely unacceptable that so many have chosen to evade the law.

Extensive work has been going on to develop a clear picture of which rented properties do not have a registered landlord listed against them. If landlords do not respond to this call then they can rest assured that action will be taken.

Tenants deserve to know for certain that the person they rent their home from is on the level. Being on the register is the best way we have to indicate whether a landlord is prepared to look after their property and, in turn, their tenants. Anyone who has not registered must do so now."

(CD/BMcC)