Residents in Bath and North East Somerset are being asked for their views on plans to take stronger action against poor housing conditions and rogue landlords.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking to improve housing for renters and is consulting on an updated housing policy to find out the best way to achieve this.
The proposed policy sets out how the council would investigate breaches of housing law, enforce standards and take action where needed. This could include fines and prosecutions against landlords who fail to meet their responsibilities.
The council will continue to help landlords understand and follow the rules, but the updated Housing Services Enforcement & Financial Penalty Policy 2026 proposes that stronger action could be taken where tenants face serious hazards, illegal eviction, repeated non-compliance or licensing failures.
The policy is being updated after new duties and powers were introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, said: “Good housing is vital to safer communities, better health and a fairer private rented sector. Everyone deserves a safe home. Most landlords in Bath and North East Somerset act responsibly and provide good quality accommodation, and this policy will support them with clear guidance.
“The Renters’ Rights Act gives councils an important new role in protecting tenants and raising standards across the private rented sector. This updated policy explains how we will use those powers locally, ensuring enforcement is fair, transparent and proportionate.
“The consultation is open to everyone, but we particularly want to hear from landlords, tenants, letting agents and residents before the policy is finalised to ensure it works for you.”
The Housing Services Enforcement and Financial Penalty Policy consultation runs until 23 September. Everyone is invited to review the draft policy and complete the survey, which is on the council website.
