Rogue landlords will now face fines of up to £30,000 as a local council cracks down on those ignoring their legal responsibilities.

Ashford Borough Council has voted to adopt new powers to get tough on those who break the rules.

The civil penalties for the worst offenders will be used as an alternative and quicker way to launching criminal prosecutions in cases of serious housing offences.

It comes after the government introduced the civil penalties as part of its campaign to clamp down on criminal landlords, with local councils now given the option to decide whether to prosecute or issue a penalty.

Ashford council's cabinet agreed to adopt the new enforcement powers with all money raised by civil penalties retained by the council to help fund its enforcements activities in the private rented housing sector.

Fines could be imposed where landlords fail to comply with improvement notices, commit offences in relation to the licensing of houses in multiple occupation, continue to contravene an overcrowding notice, and breaches of banning orders, which prohibit landlords and agents from letting or managing residential properties.

The level of fine will be determined by the severity of the offence, the culpability and track record of the offender, the harm or potential harm caused to the tenant, and the distress caused.

Cllr Gerald White, portfolio holder for housing, said: “I’m supportive of the proposed implementation of the civil penalty policy to allow the council to consider imposing fines on landlords who fail to comply with housing law, as an alternative to prosecution. Implementing the policy will hopefully deter landlords from failing in their responsibilities in providing safe homes and ensuring that they comply with the relevant housing law.”