SCREENING
Housing Enforcement Policy 2026
Last updated 30 April 2026
The assessment
New or existing service or policy?
New
Directorate/service area
Housing and Planning
Officer(s) responsible for:
- Service/policy/project: Richard Osborne, Principal Environmental Health Officer (Housing and Water Management)
- Completing equality impact assessment: Richard Osborne, Principal Environmental Health Officer (Housing and Water Management)
Date
30 April 2026
What is the purpose? What are the outcomes?
The policy provides the framework for how the council will enforce housing standards and landlord responsibilities. The purpose is to support reasonable property standards and landlord behaviour in the private rented sector. This enables secure and stable tenancies, enhancing the wellbeing and life outcomes for residents.
Are there any statutory requirements? Who are the main customer groups / stakeholders?
Under the Housing Act 2004 the council has a duty to enforce property standards and report to the Government. There are also a number of statutory and non-statutory guidance documents that cover various aspects of enforcement that are reflected in the policy. The governmetn has introduced the Renters' Rights Act 2025 that provides additional requirements The main stakeholders and landlords and tenants.
Who is intended to benefit from this service/policy? How will they benefit?
Primarily tenants in the private rented sector. Landlord who are compliant will also benefit by rogue landlords being dealt with effectively and helping professionalise the sector.
What information are you using? What does the evidence show you?
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 legislation has been driven by nationally identified issues of poor standards in the private rented sector and a need to support vulnerable tenants who are at risk of eviction. The Government has issued guidance on the Renters' Rights Act 2025 to local authorities. This policy puts these new legal requirements and guidance into practice.
What impact does the service/policy/project have on the following equality strands?
Protected characteristics: definitions
Before the Equality Act 2010, there were 3 separate public sector equality duties covering race, disability, and gender. The Equality Act 2010 replaced these with a new single equality duty covering the following protected characteristics.
| Characteristic and definition | Impact and evidence |
|---|---|
|
1. Age |
Neutral: The policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
2. Disability |
Positive: Persons with the protected characteristic of disability, dependent upon their disability type, may be less likely to support their own interests in respect of their private tenancy. They may lack the agency or finances to take civil action in respect of poor standards, harassment or illegal eviction. |
|
3. Gender Reassignment |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
4. Marriage and Civil Partnership |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
5. Pregnancy and Maternity |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
6. Race |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
7. Religion of belief |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
8. Sex |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
9. Sexual Orientation |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
Other e.g. deprivation, health inequalities, urban/rural divide, community safety |
Positive Evidence:The policy supports active enforcement that will defend from harassment and illegal eviction and improve property standards for persons who may not have the finances or capability to defend themselves and their interests. The vulnerability of a tenant can be considered as an aggravating factor in determining the level of a financial penalty to be applied. |
Review
Can any differential impact be justified? (for example, promoting equality of opportunity)
There is no differential impact
Does any adverse impact amount to unlawful discrimination?
No
What alternative actions could be taken to mitigate any adverse impact? (Add these to the action plan)
Not applicable
Consultation
Detail any specific consultation on this service/policy (if there is insufficient data, further consultation will need to be undertaken and included in the action plan)
The policy is largely led by the legislative position and the adoption of good practice identified nationally in how to undertake enforcement and the relevant factors to consider. Appropriate fine levels are reflective of nationally identified case law from tribunals by the organisation Justice for Tenants.
Conclusion
Can the service/policy proceed?
Yes
How will the service/policy be monitored and reviewed? (please give a timescale)
The enforcement policy will be tested for it's soundness through any tribunal cases and the service will review any tribunal decisions locally or nationally that have a bearing on the approach taken. Government returns regarding housing enforcement will be reviewed to understand what level of activity and fines are being issued and compare with neighbouring authorities through the West Midlands Housing Enforcement Officers Group.
Is a full assessment required?
No
Signed: Richard Osborne, Principal Environmental Health Officer (Housing & Water Management)
Date: 30 April 2026