Private sector housing enforcement policy

Last updated: 18 May 2026

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to the private rented sector in England. The Act aims to enhance tenant protections, sets out new responsibilities for landlords, and places new enforcement duties on local authorities.

As a result, councils must review and update their enforcement policies to make sure they align with the new legislation and published government guidance.

We have updated our private sector housing enforcement policy to reflect the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

• The new enforcement policy comes into effect on 1 May 2026.
• It will apply to non-compliance identified on or after this date.

Non-compliance identified before 1 May 2026

Our officers will continue to work under the previous private sector housing enforcement policy (PDF).

Non-compliance identified from 1 May 2026 onwards

Our officers will work under the new private sector housing enforcement policy:

• Updated private sector enforcement policy (from 1 May 2026) (PDF)
• Civil penalties: Renters’ Right Act (PDF)