Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on plans to strengthen enforcement against landlords where tenants face serious housing hazards, illegal evictions, repeated breaches or licensing problems.
The proposed changes follow new powers introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act and could lead to significantly higher financial penalties for certain offences.
Fines Could Reach £20,000
Under the proposed policy, some electrical safety breaches could carry a starting penalty of £12,000, while failures to meet HMO fire safety requirements could start at £20,000.
The council is also proposing additional penalties where it finds what it describes as aggravating factors. In some cases, these could increase the fine by a further 50%.
Factors that could lead to a higher penalty include:
- Previous enforcement action or non-compliance.
- A breach continuing for more than six months.
- Failing to provide a meaningful response to a council letter about an alleged offence.
- Deliberate or reckless breaches of housing rules.
- Category 1 hazards identified under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Harm caused to a tenant or other occupant.
This means landlords could face substantially higher penalties depending on the seriousness and circumstances of a breach.
Council Says Most Landlords Act Responsibly
Bath & North East Somerset Council says the aim is not to penalise responsible landlords but to improve housing standards and protect tenants.
A council spokesperson said most landlords in the area provide good-quality accommodation and that the updated policy is intended to provide clearer guidance while giving the council stronger enforcement powers.
The council also says its approach will be designed to ensure enforcement remains fair, transparent and proportionate.
Renters’ Rights Act Gives Councils More Powers
The proposed policy reflects the wider changes brought in by the Renters’ Rights Act, which gives local authorities greater responsibility for tackling poor housing conditions and landlord breaches.
Councils can use financial penalties and other enforcement measures where landlords fail to meet their legal obligations.
For landlords, this makes it increasingly important to keep properties compliant, respond promptly to council enquiries and address issues before they become more serious.
Consultation Open to Landlords and Tenants
The council is inviting views from landlords, tenants, letting agents and local residents before the policy is finalised.
The consultation provides an opportunity for those affected by the proposed enforcement rules to comment on whether the measures are fair and proportionate.
With penalties potentially increasing significantly where aggravating factors are found, landlords in Bath and North East Somerset will want to pay close attention to the final policy.
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