These findings, based on Freedom of Information Act requests, indicate that, in all, 56% of councils do not accurately record the number of complaints they receive concerning private rented sector housing.
This figure rises to 61% for those local authorities which have selective licensing schemes.
Among those local authorities which did accurately record PRS complaints which they received, each of these councils dealt with an average of 274 complaints per year.
In all, councils conducted a total of 98,858 inspections under the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) across England between 2018 and 2021. This roughly equates to just one in 45 private rented sector properties.
According to the findings, just 1% of HHSRS inspections resulted in a follow-up prosecution, with 4% of improvement notices resulting in the imposition of a civil penalty.
Chris Norris, director of policy and campaigns, at the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “What is needed in order to build a private rented sector which is fair and inclusive for all, is for councils to use all of the powers at their disposal.
“These figures show that there is a long way to go before councils deal effectively with the rogue landlords who bring the sector into disrepute.
“Until councils adopt a more effective approach towards recordkeeping, it will be impossible for them to take the steps necessary to enforce regulations.”
