Agenda item

To receive the report from the Service Manager Housing Standards in addition to the People and Health Overview on 16 March 2026

The Cabinet Member for Health and Housing introduced the background to the report, outlining the journey to date. The Service Manager for Housing Standards then set out the legislative context, including the purpose of the enhanced enforcement powers to ensure compliance with updated legal requirements, the specific duties placed upon local authorities, and the associated resource implications for Dorset Council.

The discussion focused on several key issues arising from the proposed changes. Consideration was given to the potential for unintended market impacts, including concerns that some landlords may choose to move properties out of the private rented sector and into the holiday let market as a result of increased regulation.

Concerns were also raised about the risk of tenants being evicted in advance of the new legislation coming into force. Linked to this, there was discussion around the potential grounds for eviction under the new legal framework and how these may be applied in practice.

The possibility of unintended consequences from the legislative changes more broadly was explored, particularly in relation to market behaviour and tenant security.

Discussion took place on how issues would be reported, including the use of existing reporting mechanisms and the need for clear and accessible routes for tenants and other stakeholders to raise concerns.

The financial implications for Dorset Council were considered, including the overall cost burden of implementing and enforcing the new requirements. It was noted that income generated through the registration of landlords on the national database, as well as through financial penalties, had been designed to help offset some of these costs.

There was a strong emphasis on the importance of supporting landlords to achieve compliance. This included the need to provide clear guidance on what constitutes good practice, alongside proactive support to help landlords meet the required standards before enforcement action is considered.

The importance of a clear and effective communications strategy was highlighted, aimed at both landlords and tenants, to ensure widespread understanding of the new requirements, rights, and responsibilities.

Discussion also focused on the approach to enforcement, with particular emphasis on ensuring fairness in the application of fines. It was noted that enforcement activity, including the use of financial penalties, would be focused on securing compliance with legal standards rather than generating income.

Finally, a request was made for clarification on whether Dorset Council had been involved in the national consultation and development of the Renters Reform legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Act

The Place and Resources Overview committee supported the recommendations from the report

Recommendations

1-Adoption and approval of the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026.

2-Cabinet Member for Health and Housing in consultation with the Interim/Corporate Director for Housing and Community Safety is given delegated authority to make minor changes to the Housing Standards and Tenants Rights Enforcement Policy 2026 including:

A-    the need to amend the policy to account for known future enactments which form part of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 implementation of the Renters Rights Act 2025; and,

approval of operational procedure notes including but not limited to a methodology for determining the amount of Civil Financial Penalties under this policy for breaches of up to £7,000 and offences of up to £40,000.