Kirklees Council Approves New Policies For Tackling Private Sector Housing Breaches

Kirklees Cabinet has approved two new policies that set out a clear and consistent approach to enforcement in the private rented sector.

The Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and Civil Financial Penalty Policy have been developed following changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act and updates to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. The policies will make sure the council’s approach remains up to date and aligned with current legislation.   Together, the policies provide a clear and transparent framework for how the council investigates and enforces housing legislation, and how civil financial penalties are assessed and applied. They give tenants, landlords and managing agents greater clarity and confidence in how housing standards and legal responsibilities are regulated.   The Enforcement Policy covers a range of breaches and offences, including unlawful eviction and harassment, failing to comply with improvement notices, operating without the required HMO or selective licence, breaches of electrical safety requirements, and several new offences under the Renters’ Rights Act. By setting out a consistent enforcement approach, the policy will promote compliance, encourage good practice and support positive behaviour change across the private rented sector.   The Civil Financial Penalty Policy sets out the methodology for assessing and setting the level of a civil penalty where the council decides to take this action. Penalties will be determined using a structured framework that takes into account the seriousness of the offence, the landlord’s compliance history, the actual or potential harm to tenants, and any mitigating or aggravating factors. The approach supports consistency and fairness, while allowing decisions to reflect the specific circumstances of each case.   The policies will now support officers in enforcing housing legislation and applying civil penalties, helping the council to raise standards across the private rented sector, protect tenants from harm and ensure landlords meet their legal responsibilities. They also support the council’s wider commitment to improving poor housing quality, promoting well-managed rented accommodation and ensuring residents have access to safe, secure and quality homes.   Councillor Phillip James, Cabinet Member for Housing and Physical Communities, said:   “Everyone has the right to live in a safe, well-managed and decent home, and landlords have clear legal responsibilities to their tenants.   “These policies give the council a clear and consistent framework for acting when those responsibilities are not met. They will help us make sure penalties are fair and proportionate, while acting as a strong deterrent against unlawful practices and helping to protect tenants and raise standards across the private rented sector.   “We also recognise the vital role the private rented sector plays in providing homes for thousands of residents across Kirklees. We want to see a safe, fair and sustainable private rented sector where responsible landlords can operate successfully, and tenants can access good-quality, secure homes. We look forward to the Renters’ Rights Act and these new policies supporting the sector to continue making a positive contribution to the lives of residents across Kirklees.”