Council may add 50% to fines if landlords fail to answer a letter
Summary
Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on a revised housing enforcement and financial penalty policy aimed at landlords, with tougher starting penalties for issues including electrical safety breaches and HMO fire standard failures. The update follows new duties and powers under the Renters Rights Act and includes the possibility of increasing penalties by 50% where aggravating factors are present.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter properties, compliance issues or enforcement contexts affected by local authority action, particularly in the private rented sector. The consultation signals a stricter local approach to housing standards, which may influence risk assessments, due diligence and advice to landlords and agents.
Key points
- Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on a tougher enforcement and penalty policy.
- Starting penalties proposed include £12,000 for some electrical safety misdemeanours and £20,000 for HMO fire standard failures.
- Penalties could be increased by 50% where aggravating factors are identified.
- The policy update is linked to new duties and powers introduced through the Renters Rights Act.
- The consultation seeks views from landlords, tenants, letting agents and residents.
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