National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What can a council obtain to ensure a landlord is removed from property management for illegal actions?

1. A warning letter

2. A banning order

3. A financial fine

4. A temporary suspension

The correct answer is: A banning order

A banning order is a legal tool that allows a council to prohibit a landlord from being involved in property management due to illegal actions. This type of order is significant because it directly addresses serious violations of housing law, such as persistent antisocial behavior, health and safety breaches, or other regulatory non-compliance. The purpose of the banning order is to safeguard tenant welfare and ensure that only responsible landlords can operate within the housing market. In contrast, a warning letter may inform a landlord of potential issues but does not have the force of law to remove them from property management. A financial fine can penalize the landlord for infractions but does not prevent them from continuing to manage properties. Similarly, a temporary suspension may halt activities for a specific period but does not provide a long-term resolution to the issue. A banning order, therefore, serves as a more definitive action to protect tenants and enforce compliance among landlords.