Sadiq Khan said a new database will be launched this autumn which will enable councils in the capital to share information on criminal landlords and letting agents. Renters will be able to check a prospective landlord or agent before moving into a property.

Khan also announced plans for a new Homes for Londoners property portal on City Hall’s website, which aims to bring together in one place affordable homes to buy and rent in the capital.

He said: “I refuse to stand by as thousands of Londoners suffer sky-high rents and horrendous living conditions in a city they call home.

“Today I have seen first-hand the abysmal conditions that some of London’s private renters are forced to endure as a result of rogue landlords. I want to be clear that the vast majority of landlords treat renters well – but a minority are exploiting their tenants and it’s simply unacceptable. This must stop now.<

“To help renters, I will be working in partnership with London Boroughs to launch my new name and shame database of criminal landlords and letting agents to help Londoners before they rent a property, and to deter dishonest landlords and agents from operating.

Database will empower renters

Seb Klier, London campaigns manager at Generation Rent, said that at present renters signed a tenancy with no information about whether their landlord had a good record in the market.

“This new initiative will empower renters by allowing them to check if a landlord has committed a recent housing offence, and it will put the capital’s worst offenders on red alert, letting them know that if they mistreat their tenants, they will be exposed,” he added.