Bath council consults on tougher enforcement against rogue landlords

Bath council consults on tougher enforcement against rogue landlords

Bath & North East Somerset council has launched a consultation on an updated housing enforcement policy proposing stronger penalties for landlords who fail to meet legal standards, reflecting new powers under the Renters Rights Act.

The council’s consultation, open until 23 September 2026, seeks views on a revised Housing Services Enforcement & Financial Penalty Policy. This update follows the introduction of the Renters Rights Act, which grants local authorities enhanced duties and powers to tackle poor housing conditions and unlawful landlord practices.

The proposed policy includes options for imposing fines and pursuing prosecutions against landlords responsible for serious hazards, illegal evictions, repeated non-compliance, or failures in licensing requirements. While the council emphasises support and guidance for responsible landlords, it signals a readiness to take firmer action where tenants’ safety and rights are at risk.

Details of the proposed enforcement approach

Bath & North East Somerset council states that good housing is fundamental to safer communities and better health outcomes. The updated enforcement policy aims to ensure that landlords comply with their legal obligations and provide safe, decent accommodation.

Under the draft policy, enforcement actions could include financial penalties and prosecutions targeting rogue landlords who persistently breach housing standards or licensing rules. The council will continue to offer advice and assistance to landlords to help them meet their responsibilities but will escalate enforcement where tenants face serious hazards or illegal eviction.

The policy update is a direct response to the expanded role local authorities now have under the Renters Rights Act, which came into effect earlier this year. This legislation strengthens tenant protections and empowers councils to improve standards in the private rented sector.

Context and significance for landlords and agents

This consultation in Bath reflects a broader trend among local authorities to adopt more rigorous enforcement strategies following the Renters Rights Act. Councils across England are reviewing their housing enforcement policies to incorporate the Act’s provisions, which include stronger penalties and more robust intervention powers.

For landlords and letting agents, this signals a more proactive regulatory environment where compliance with safety, licensing, and tenancy laws will be closely monitored. The emphasis on tackling serious hazards and illegal evictions means that landlords must ensure their properties meet all legal standards and that tenancy management practices are fully compliant.

While the policy recognises that most landlords provide good quality accommodation, the focus on repeated non-compliance and licensing failures highlights the risks of neglecting regulatory duties. Letting agents acting on behalf of landlords will need to be vigilant in maintaining up-to-date compliance records and ensuring that properties pass all required inspections.

Practical implications for portfolio management

Small and medium landlords should review their current property management and compliance procedures in light of this consultation and the wider Renters Rights Act requirements. This includes checking that all necessary licenses are in place, safety certificates are current, and that any tenant complaints or issues are promptly and properly addressed.

Proactive communication with tenants and thorough documentation of repairs, inspections, and notices will be increasingly important. Landlords should also be aware of the potential for financial penalties and legal action if they fail to meet their obligations, particularly in cases involving serious hazards or illegal eviction attempts.

Letting agents should prepare for closer scrutiny by local authorities and may need to advise landlords on the implications of the new enforcement powers. Ensuring that tenancy agreements, deposit handling, and eviction procedures comply with the latest legislation will help mitigate risks.

Uncertainties and what to watch next

The consultation closes on 23 September 2026, and the final policy details are yet to be confirmed. Landlords and agents should monitor Bath council’s announcements for any changes or clarifications to enforcement practices and penalty levels.

It remains to be seen how many other councils will follow Bath’s example with similar policy updates. The cumulative effect of the Renters Rights Act and local enforcement strategies could lead to a patchwork of varying approaches across England, making it important for landlords to stay informed about local regulations.

Further guidance from government departments and landlord associations is expected to clarify enforcement expectations and best practices. Keeping abreast of these developments will be essential for landlords aiming to avoid penalties and maintain good tenant relationships.

What landlords should consider now

• Review all property licenses and ensure they are valid and comply with local authority requirements.
• Check that all safety certificates, including gas, electrical, and fire safety, are up to date and properly documented.
• Maintain clear records of all tenant communications, repairs, and inspections to demonstrate compliance.
• Familiarise yourself with the provisions of the Renters Rights Act and how it affects your legal obligations.
• Engage with tenants to address concerns promptly and avoid situations that could escalate to enforcement action.
• Consult with letting agents or legal advisors to review tenancy agreements and eviction procedures in line with current legislation.

Supporting landlords through compliance and enforcement changes

TLA membership offers landlords and letting agents access to comprehensive compliance resources and practical guidance tailored to evolving regulations like the Renters Rights Act. Through TLA’s developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, members can organise their portfolios, store and manage essential documents such as licenses and safety certificates, and track key compliance actions.

ORBIT’s tools for recording inspections, repairs, and communications can help landlords maintain clear evidence of meeting their obligations, which is crucial given the increased enforcement focus by councils like Bath & North East Somerset. Members also benefit from up-to-date information on regulatory changes and support to prepare for new enforcement policies.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can assist landlords in staying organised and better equipped to respond to local authority consultations and enforcement measures.

As Bath council finalises its enforcement approach, landlords should take the opportunity to assess their compliance status and prepare for a regulatory environment where stronger action against rogue landlords is becoming the norm.

Sources: Landlord Today