Council and Met Police launch major housing operation following residents' reports

Published: 29 October 2026 Councillor Sunny Brar, Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Community Safety and Cohesion speaks with Director of Community Safety whilst the Community Protection Taskforce and Met Police action warrants on properties

A major multi-agency operation was launched across Redbridge after residents raised concerns about poor housing conditions, overcrowding and antisocial behaviour.

The coordinated operation formed part of ongoing work to protect residents, support responsible landlords and ensure homes across the borough meet the standards people have a right to expect.

Working across multiple services and agencies, officers carried out inspections, gathered evidence, spoke with tenants and identified issues requiring further investigation and follow-up action. The joint work reflected the shared commitment to tackling housing concerns and protecting residents.

The operation has already resulted in one Emergency Prohibition Orders and two Improvement Notices with six landlords potentially facing one or more civil penalties of up to £40,000. Referrals have also been made to safeguarding teams, Building Control, the Empty Properties Officer and Housing Options to ensure wider concerns are investigated and residents receive the support they need.

Councillor Sunny Brar, Cabinet Member for Enforcement, Community Safety and Cohesion, said: “Seeing this operation first-hand, I was incredibly proud of the professionalism, coordination and teamwork shown by everyone involved.

“Building trust with residents means showing that when concerns are raised, the Council and its partners work together and take them seriously. I'd like to thank all of the officers, police colleagues and partners who helped deliver this operation and the residents who continue to come forward and report issues.”

The vast majority of landlords in Redbridge provide safe, good-quality homes and play an important role in local communities. Operations like this help ensure that poor practice by a minority does not undermine the work of responsible landlords across the borough.

The operation also highlighted the important role residents play in helping agencies identify and tackle problems. Reports from local people are often the first step in enabling officers and partners to investigate concerns and take action.

The Council is encouraging residents to continue reporting concerns about poor housing conditions, overcrowding, antisocial behaviour and suspected criminal activity through the Council website, helping ensure issues are identified early and the right action can be taken.