Council strengthens Civil Penalties Policy to better protect private renters
Gateshead Council's Cabinet has approved a new policy that will strengthen the enforcement powers available to tackle unsafe and substandard housing in the private rented sector. The updated policy replaces the 2018 Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and ensures that the Council is fully equipped to protect tenants, keep pace with changing legislation, and hold landlords accountable.
The newly titled Housing and Planning Act 2016 and The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 Civil Penalties Policy modernises the Council's approach to imposing financial penalties of up to £30,000 for housing offences, including failures to carry out necessary improvements, breaches of safety regulations, and failure to license properties such as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Since 2018, the Council has issued 145 civil financial penalties. Legal developments and the introduction of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 have prompted the need for a clearer, more efficient, and legally robust policy.
The updated policy also anticipates new responsibilities likely to arise from the Renters Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, which is expected to introduce further protections for tenants and additional duties for local authorities.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"We are committed to ensuring all Gateshead residents have access to safe, decent housing. This updated policy strengthens our ability to act swiftly and effectively against landlords who fail in their responsibilities. It sends a clear message that poor standards, neglect and unsafe conditions in the private rented sector will not be tolerated in Gateshead."
The Cabinet also approved delegated authority to senior officers to ensure the policy can be reviewed and updated efficiently in response to future legal changes, helping the Council remain agile in its enforcement efforts.
The updated Civil Penalties Policy supports Gateshead's broader priorities on tenant protection, public health, and housing quality, ensuring that the Council can continue to act as a strong advocate for renters' rights.
Gateshead Council's Cabinet has approved a new policy that will strengthen the enforcement powers available to tackle unsafe and substandard housing in the private rented sector. The updated policy replaces the 2018 Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and ensures that the Council is fully equipped to protect tenants, keep pace with changing legislation, and hold landlords accountable.
The newly titled Housing and Planning Act 2016 and The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 Civil Penalties Policy modernises the Council's approach to imposing financial penalties of up to £30,000 for housing offences, including failures to carry out necessary improvements, breaches of safety regulations, and failure to license properties such as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Since 2018, the Council has issued 145 civil financial penalties. Legal developments and the introduction of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 have prompted the need for a clearer, more efficient, and legally robust policy.
The updated policy also anticipates new responsibilities likely to arise from the Renters Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, which is expected to introduce further protections for tenants and additional duties for local authorities.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"We are committed to ensuring all Gateshead residents have access to safe, decent housing. This updated policy strengthens our ability to act swiftly and effectively against landlords who fail in their responsibilities. It sends a clear message that poor standards, neglect and unsafe conditions in the private rented sector will not be tolerated in Gateshead."
The Cabinet also approved delegated authority to senior officers to ensure the policy can be reviewed and updated efficiently in response to future legal changes, helping the Council remain agile in its enforcement efforts.
The updated Civil Penalties Policy supports Gateshead's broader priorities on tenant protection, public health, and housing quality, ensuring that the Council can continue to act as a strong advocate for renters' rights.
