The initiative attempts to crackdown on rouge landlords letting out unsafe and overcrowded properties at extortionate rates.

Other initiatives announced included ensuring mandatory licensing rules apply to all shared homes with five or more people from two or more households, and to flats above and below shops and other business premises.

Landlords without this licence are liable to receive an unlimited fine.

Shared home landlords are now required to provide decent storage and disposal of rubbish.

It was also announced that the Department for Communities and Local Government intend to improve the fit and proper person test for landlords.

Mr Barwell said: “In order to build a country that truly works for everyone, we must ensure that everyone has somewhere safe and secure to live.

“These measures will give councils the powers they need to tackle poor-quality rental homes in their area.

“By driving out rogue landlords that flout the rules out of business, we are raising standards and giving tenants the protection they need.”

The government has committed £5m worth of funding to 48 councils to check the standards of lettings.

Earlier this year, 33,000 homes were inspected and almost 2,800 rogue landlords are now facing prosecution.