We are pleased to publish a major new report examining the relationship between England’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) and criminality, including serious and organised crime. The research was commissioned by Leeds City Council and funded by the government’s Pathfinder programme. The findings show how some landlords and letting agents are either complicit in or inadvertently facilitating criminal activity through poor property management. It explores the systemic challenges local authorities face in identifying and responding to such practices, including limited investigatory powers, fragmented intelligence sharing, and a lack of coordinated enforcement mechanisms.
The report demonstrates the critical importance of partnerships between local authorities, enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in tackling criminal and organised activity within the PRS. Stronger collaboration and a joined-up approach are essential to protect communities, uphold housing standards, and disrupt illegal networks.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council said:
“The private rented sector makes a really important contribution to life in Leeds, meeting many people’s housing needs in communities across the city. Unfortunately, private rented properties can, like any type of housing, sometimes be used to facilitate criminal activities. These problems are not unique to Leeds but the council is determined to play its part – alongside the police and other agencies – in tackling them. The PRS Pathfinder scheme, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has helped us both support and learn from other councils as we look to make the best possible use of relevant tools and powers.”
Mark Ireland, Head of Service, PRS, Leeds City Council said:
“The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s PRS Pathfinder scheme has been an extremely useful opportunity for us to enhance our approach to dealing with criminality linked to the private rented sector. One key element of the scheme was the research carried out by Perpetuity, which provided vital insights into best practice for local authorities seeking to reduce the risk of criminal activity and create safer residential environments. The value of the research was further underlined by its role in the development of an online toolkit that is designed to help stakeholders in the private rented sector to address and prevent property-related crime.”
To support this, Perpetuity Research, along with Leeds City Council have developed a new Toolkit for Local Authorities to accompany the report. This offers practical tools and guidance to help frontline officers spot signs of criminal activity, improve multi-agency working, and adopt proactive strategies in enforcement.
Dr Janice Goldstraw-White, Lead Economic Crime Researcher for Perpetuity Research said:
“This research highlights the urgent need for systemic change in how criminality within the private rented sector is understood and addressed. Local authorities must be supported to move beyond reactive enforcement and towards a more proactive, intelligence-led approach that recognises the structural conditions enabling criminal exploitation of housing. Strengthening statutory powers, investing in specialist training, and improving collaboration between councils, police, and other partners are all essential if we are to disrupt criminal activity effectively. Without coordinated action and the right tools in place, opportunities to protect tenants, communities, and the integrity of the PRS will continue to be missed.”
To read the full report and access the toolkit please follow the links below:
