The council has got back more than £5million in lost council tax from rogue landlords.

Newham set up its landlord licensing scheme five years ago and since then £5,002,203 has been collected from dodgy landlords renting out houses with multiple occupants.

Cllr John Gray, the council’s housing chief, said: “This money would have been lost to the council and therefore the tax payer. It will help fund crucial services.”

The council has issued 30,000 licenses after it was forced to relaunch the license scheme this year. It took action against landlords in 120 cases of serious disrepair or law-breaking.

It reminded landlords yet to apply that failure to get a licence can result in a court appearance and £30k fines.

New government rules mean landlords in the Stratford New Town area also need to get a licence if they rent out properties to two or more households or five or more occupants.

Most Newham landlords already have to do this.

Cllr Gray said: “I would urge any landlords to engage with our team especially if they are unclear about the new regulations.

“We genuinely want to work with landlords to create a fair rental market for them, and for all our residents. Together we can work to drive the rogues out of the market and improve the lives of tenants.”