Purpose

This report seeks approval of the attached ‘Supplemental Enforcement Policy (Renters Rights Act 2025)’ and ‘Civil Penalties Policy under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation’. The Act introduces a new suite of new powers for the council, these powers come into force from 1 May 2026 up to 2035. To use the powers the council must publish a policy setting out how we will implement these powers in relation to the private rented properties. This report also includes process mapping and a triage framework that indicate how the council will manage incoming enquiries arising from the Act. 

Decision

DECISION:

1. To approve the draft Supplemental Enforcement Policy (Appendix A) and Policy on Civil Penalties under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation (Appendix B) to meet the requirements from the Renters’ Rights Act. Both were based on model policies developed for local authorities across the country by national organisations. The policies will become effective immediately subject to call-in.
2. To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration and the Corporate Director of Communities, in consultation with the Executive Mayor to make relevant changes / updates to the supplementary enforcement policy and civil penalty policies following legislative change or the introduction of new guidance.

REASONS FOR DECISION: 

1. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (the Act) aims to empower private renters by providing them with greater security, rights and protections so that they can stay in their homes for longer, build lives in their communities, and avoid the risk of homelessness.
2. From 1 May 2026, local authorities are given new tenancy system enforcement measures by the Act, and it is the duty of the local housing authorities to enforce these new provisions in its areas.
3. Government statutory guidance on civil penalties and enforcement assumes local authorities have a clear published enforcement framework. These enforcement policies will ensure that the council exercise the new legal duties lawfully, consistently and proportionately.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

Do nothing. This option is not recommended. Failure to adopt appropriate policies would undermine the council’s ability to discharge its new statutory duty to enforce legislation lawfully, consistently and proportionately. It would also place the council at risk of acting contrary to the government statutory guidance.

Action by: Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration