Cabinet received a report requesting consideration of the proposed Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Enforcement Policy. The Policy aimed to ensure that effective regulatory action would be taken where landlords failed to comply with their legal obligations and that enforcement powers were applied in a fair, transparent, proportionate and consistent manner.
It was noted that a public consultation exercise was not conducted as much of the policy content related to matters prescribed by the legislation and statutory guidance. Internal consultation had taken place within the Environmental Health and Licensing and Housing Options services resulting in no changes to the policy were required. The General Purposes Committee had considered the Policy at its meeting on 14th April 2026 where no additional points or suggestions were made.
Members were pleased that the proposed measures would help to deliver safer and more stable housing for residents within the community and commended the work undertaken by Officers in progressing this locally. They were also pleased to note that the Council was taking a proactive approach to implementing forthcoming Renters’ Rights legislation, particularly in relation to Section 21 “no?fault” evictions.
It was agreed that there might be some uncertainty regarding the scale of demand arising from these changes. Officers advised that while it was considered that current resources were sufficient, it would be important to keep capacity under review as the position develops.
It was RESOLVED:
1.
That the proposed Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Enforcement Policy
attached as Appendix A to the report be approved.
2. That the Policy be recommended to Council for adoption.