Torfaen Council seeks tenant input on private rented sector strategy

Torfaen County Council has opened a consultation inviting private renters, landlords, and letting agents to share their experiences and views as it develops a new Private Rented Sector Strategy for 2026 to 2031. The council emphasises that responses will help shape a long-term plan aimed at making private renting more affordable, accessible, and secure locally.

Although private renting currently accounts for just 11% of households in Torfaen, with 24% of tenants living in social housing, the council recognises the sector’s role in meeting housing demand amid increasing pressure on affordable homes.

The consultation, running until 10 April 2026, follows earlier discussions with private landlords about expanding housing options. The forthcoming strategy will address key issues affecting renters, including affordability and security of tenure, while outlining how the council plans to collaborate with landlords.

Councillor David Daniels, executive member for adult services and housing, stated: “We would like to support private landlords and tenants to ensure private renting is a safe and affordable option for people who cannot afford to buy a property but do not want to wait to be allocated one from a social housing provider.”

Central Bedfordshire consults on Renters’ Rights Act enforcement policy

Meanwhile, Central Bedfordshire Council has launched a four-week consultation on a new policy related to the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on 1 May 2026. The policy explains how the council will use new enforcement powers locally to strengthen tenant protections and clarify expectations for landlords and letting agents.

Councillor Steven Watkins, executive member for housing, commented: “These reforms give us stronger tools to protect tenants and ensure the private rented sector is fair, safe and well-managed for everyone. The aim of this consultation is to ensure our policy is clear and understandable. We are encouraging private landlords, letting agents and tenants to share their views.”

The council is seeking feedback on whether the proposed policy is clear and easy to understand before it is formally introduced.

Context and implications for landlords and agents

Both consultations reflect a growing trend among local authorities to engage directly with stakeholders in the private rented sector ahead of significant legislative changes. Torfaen’s strategy development signals a commitment to balancing tenant needs with landlord collaboration, while Central Bedfordshire’s policy consultation focuses on enforcement under the Renters’ Rights Act.

For landlords and letting agents, these consultations present an opportunity to influence local policy frameworks that will affect tenancy management, enforcement standards, and tenant relations. Engaging with these processes can help ensure that policies are practical and consider the operational realities of the private rented sector.

These developments follow Bristol City Council’s recent consultation on landlord fines under the Renters’ Rights Act, indicating wider local government activity to implement the new legislation effectively.

Next steps and participation

Landlords, letting agents, and tenants in Torfaen can participate in the consultation until 10 April 2026 via the council’s dedicated survey platform. Similarly, Central Bedfordshire’s consultation on the enforcement policy is open for four weeks, with details available on the council’s website.

Active involvement in these consultations will help shape policies that directly impact the private rented sector’s operation and regulatory environment in these areas.

Suggested internal link anchors

• private rented sector
• Renters’ Rights Act
• tenant protections
• affordability in private renting
• security of tenure
• landlord enforcement powers
• housing demand
• local authority housing strategy
• private landlord collaboration
• letting agents’ responsibilities
• tenant consultation
• housing policy consultation

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/