A major shake-up of tenant rights could soon reshape the private rental market, as councillors backed plans to strengthen enforcement powers while insisting they will avoid a heavy-handed approach.
Members of the Community and Resources committee discussed proposals to adopt an updated housing enforcement policy in response to sweeping legislative changes brought in under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
The meeting, held on Monday, April 20, heard how the new law introduces significant reforms to the private rented sector, including the abolition of so-called “no fault” evictions and stronger protections for tenants challenging rent increases.
Staci Dorey, director of legal and governance, told councillors the changes would give local authorities “a lot more power” to deal with standards in privately rented homes.
She said: “The new Act abolishes no fault evictions. It gives tenants more rights to challenge unreasonable rent increases. It bans landlords from taking any rent before the tenancy is signed and limits advance rent to one month.
“It gives tenants rights to request pets and makes it unlawful to discriminate against tenants with children or those on benefits. It also strengthens the enforcement powers that we as councils have.”
However, she stressed the council would prioritise working with landlords rather than immediately resorting to penalties.
She said: “We do not want to jump straight to enforcement action. We want to work with landlords to make accommodation acceptable and bring it up to a good standard.
“We would only look to prosecute those with repeated breaches or blatant breaches.”
The updated policy also outlines how civil penalties could be imposed in more serious cases, with fines set according to statutory guidance.
Councillor Chris Leather raised concerns the legislation could discourage landlords from remaining in the sector.
He said: “This Act has already driven a lot of landlords out of the private sector nationwide. There are one or two beneficial things in it, but there are also some severe financial penalties that can be imposed.
“I am pleased we are not going to go with a big stick right away because that could drive people out of renting and they will sell up.”
Councillor David Brenton said responsible landlords would have little to fear.
He said: “Good landlords have got nothing to fear. Bad ones, not so good.
“It has been a buyer’s market because more properties are coming onto the market, which has helped people get onto the property ladder.”
Councillors also discussed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with landlords, particularly given the reliance on the private rented sector for temporary accommodation.
Ms Dorey said: “Most of our people in temporary accommodation rely on the private rented market, so we have to develop those relationships.
“If landlords are working with us, there is no reason to take formal enforcement action unless it is a blatant disregard or repeated issue.”
The committee heard that while the council would receive around £60,000 in funding to help implement the changes, there are expectations that enforcement activity could partially fund itself through civil penalties.
Councillor Teresa Tinsley questioned whether the additional responsibilities would place pressure on resources, but was told the authority had already expanded its housing team and was not anticipating a surge in complaints.
The updated policy is intended to ensure the council is prepared for new duties and powers coming into force from May 2026, while aligning with wider housing strategy goals.
