Cabinet asked to approve additional civil penalties to protect tenants from rogue landlords

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the additional recommendations laid out in the draft Private Sector Rented Housing Enforcement Policy, that will provide further protection to private tenants.

The policy, which goes to Cabinet for approval at next week’s meeting on Wednesday 6 July 2022, outlines the use of additional civil penalties to enforce electrical safety standards and minimum energy efficiency requirements for a private rented property.

The additions follow a recent consultation with the public, and the private rented sector, on the council’s Draft Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy. The policy sets out enforcement powers to help tackle criminal, rogue, and irresponsible landlords, improve standards in the private rented sector, and ensure that private rented accommodation is safe, well managed and that property is adequately maintained.

By improving housing standards in respect of electrical safety, and ensuring properties have energy performance certificates to at least the minimum level standards, there will be a predicted positive health and safety impact for all tenants.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said;-

“We all need a place we can call home, and tenants should not be treated any differently to homeowners as they have an equal right to a safe, energy efficient and secure property.

“In Shropshire, the private rented sector represents 17% of the housing market, which equates to approximately 25,000 properties.

“Shropshire Council is committed to supporting and protecting those in the private rental sector, and to tackle rogue landlords/letting agents.

“While we know the majority of private sector housing landlords and letting agencies offer a safe and comfortable home, it is only right that further measures are introduced to end the poor practices of unscrupulous landlords,

“Our revised draft policy aims to have a positive impact for all communities, principally by deterring or removing rogue landlords from the private rented sector in Shropshire.”

You can read the full report and revised draft policy here: Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday 6 July 2022, 3pm — Shropshire Council