A LANDLORD has joined the backlash against a council's crusade to tackle rogue traders in the lettings industry.

The North Oxford resident, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke out after reading the Oxford Mail's front page on Monday about Oxford City Council's bid to improve rental standards.

It could bring in a blanket licensing policy for rented accommodation, similar to those already required for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which would charge landlords to let out properties and enforce strict safety regulations.

The landlord, who owns 12 houses, said: "Most of us are doing it properly and are very genuine. Everyone thinks landlords are making a fortune but most of us have big mortgages.

"The council can't cope with what they've got already. There have been six to eight month delays on some of my HMO licenses because they say there is a backlog. We are all taking big risks and in the time it takes to get our license we are losing money.

"Most of us are not out to make big bucks. I charge what people can afford and want to keep prices reasonable. But the council are putting so much pressure on good landlords."

He said it was "a shame" to penalise genuine landlords in a bid to cut out the bad.

Ian Wright, the city council's environmental health service manager, previously said it was "premature to talk about policies that have yet to be approved".