ROGUE landlords in Cherwell district could be fined up to £5,000 as part of a new crackdown proposed by council officers.

The authority is able to use powers made law in April 2016 to improve energy efficiency of privately rented properties.

As part of the regulations, domestic private rented properties must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E.

Landlords were banned from renting out properties with an EPC rating of E from April 1. They must also not renew or extend existing tenancies as part of that. Landlords are also banned from letting out any sub E-rated properties as part of all existing tenancies as part of the regulations.

Anyone letting out a sub-standard property for less than three months could be fined a maximum of £2,000.

The penalty is doubled to £4,000 if landlords are found to have rented out a sub-standard property for more than three months.

The fines are expected to be approved by Cherwell District Council's executive at a meeting on Monday.

Other penalties will include fines of £2,000 for failing to follow a compliance notice and the same fine for registering a PRS exemption register.

The maximum fine of £5,000 can be added to if there is insufficient action taken.

If landlords fail to adhere to the law despite being fined, another penalty of £2,000 could be handed out.

Only a council officer or one of its authorised officers can hand out notices.