An 18m pounds deal to provide more rental accommodation and affordable housing has been announced as part of the Government's programme of action to tackle current difficulties in the housing market.

The deal has been done through the Government's National Clearing House with Bovis Homes, which enables house builders to sell their unsold stock to Housing Associations for use as affordable housing, either for rent or low cost home ownership.

This is the largest deal so far agreed with a major housebuilder through the Clearing House Programme.

The deal provides 379 affordable homes on sites across the country for families who would otherwise be on waiting lists, following the agreement between the Homes and Communities Agency, Bovis Homes, and a number of Housing Associations.

This means that 4,800 homes in total have now been brought into use as affordable housing for a total of 160 million pound, with more deals in the pipeline.

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said: "We are determined to support house builders to weather the current difficult climate, and this deal will help industry while also providing more affordable homes for families on waiting lists.

"This is one part of a range of measures we are taking to help ensure stability and security for those affected by the downturn, and we will continue to look at what more we can do."

Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency Sir Bob Kerslake said: "By being flexible with our funding we have secured more much-needed quality new homes - for affordable rent or sale to local people priced out of the market - and maximised value for public money.

"And while I am pleased with this early success for the HCA, there is much more to be done as we seek to stimulate development and help maintain the housebuilding industry's capacity through difficult economic conditions."

* Newham Council has prosecuted a private landlord who illegally evicted tenants from their homes in Romford Road, Forest Gate following a fire.

Faruk Ahmed, of South Park Crescent, Ilford was prosecuted by Stratford Magistrates' Court on Thursday, December 11 after he ignored warnings from the council to find tenants alternative accommodation or evict them by giving proper legal notice.

Ahmed and his company Open Door Property Management Limited were found guilty of committing offences under the Prevention from Eviction Act 1977. He was fined 1,000 pounds and ordered to pay 1,250 pounds towards the court costs.

Executive member for housing, process and business efficiency, Councillor Andrew Baikie, said: "This prosecution demonstrates that the council will continue to take strong action against rogue landlords where they fail to meet their obligations as a responsible landlord.

"Although many private landlords provide a good quality service to their tenants, there is a minority who believe that they are above the law and can evict tenants without taking the required steps.

"The council will take robust enforcement action and prosecute where possible when we become aware of landlords committing offences."

This and more landlord information can be found at Residentiallandlord.co.uk. Featuring the latest requirements for energy performance certificates and many other useful tools including; latest buy to let mortgages, property auction dates, free document downloads, and much more besides.