ROGUE landlords are blighting the lives of more and more people across the South West, according to a housing and homelessness charity.

Shelter has learnt there are 92 known landlords across who are causing local authorities “cause for concern” and “repeatedly making tenants’ lives a misery”.

Research also showed that complaints about landlords increased to 5,525 in the last year.

Just 27 successful prosecutions have been made by local authorities against landlords during the same period.

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, said: “The reality is that rogue landlords are out there and they’re getting away with it.

“We see the devastating impact these landlords have on peoples’ lives as they remain trapped in homes that cause misery and, in some cases, put lives at risk.

“We believe there could be thousands more tenants across the South West suffering in silence.”

Shelter has set up Rogue Landlord Watch, an interactive map to help people avoid falling victim in their local area.

To report a rogue, get advice, or to find out more visit www.shelter.org.uk/evictroguelandlords.