The council welcomes new powers under the Renters Rights Act which aim to protect private tenants, improve conditions in the private sector and provide additional enforcement powers against rogue landlords.
The new policy aims to ensure that all residents have access to safe, well managed, and good quality homes. It reflects changes in legislation and best practice and aims to strike a balance between supporting compliant landlords and taking firm action against those who fail to meet required standards.
The new policy sets out how the council will:
• Tackle poor housing conditions
• Support responsible landlords
• Address issues such as overcrowding and property management standards
• Use enforcement powers in a fair and consistent way.
Cllr Alan Matthews, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Housing Development said:
“The council is committed to ensuring good quality rented housing is available in the borough. The new policy allows the council to used enhanced enforcement powers to tackle rogue landlords and housing disrepair.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 allows the council to take enforcement action when prospective tenants are discriminated against for having children, pets or are in receipt of benefits and to prevent bidding wars for rented properties. The council can issue civil penalties up to £40,000 when landlords do not comply with the law”
For more information about the policy please follow this link Housing Enforcement and licensing policy