Bath renters could see tougher action over unsafe homes

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-12 18:31 2 min read

A row of historic Victorian terraced stone houses with bay windows and lush front gardens.

Bath and North East Somerset residents have until 23 September to comment on proposals that could give the council a firmer response when rented homes are unsafe or landlords repeatedly fail to follow housing rules.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on its proposed Housing Services Enforcement & Financial Penalty Policy 2026. The document would set out how council officers investigate suspected breaches, enforce housing standards and decide when stronger measures are appropriate.

Tenants, landlords and agents are invited to respond

The consultation is open to everyone, with the council particularly seeking views from:

private tenants
landlords
letting agents
local residents

The proposals concern the private rented sector across Bath and North East Somerset. They are intended to support responsible landlords with clear guidance while allowing the council to act where serious problems are identified.

Cases that could lead to stronger enforcement

Under the proposed policy, tougher action could be considered where tenants face serious hazards, illegal eviction, repeated non-compliance or licensing failures. Possible enforcement measures include financial penalties and prosecutions.

The policy follows new duties and powers introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. It does not mean every complaint will automatically result in a fine: the council says enforcement should be fair, transparent and proportionate to the circumstances.

For renters, the consultation is an opportunity to say whether the proposed approach addresses the problems they encounter when reporting poor conditions. Landlords and agents can also comment on whether the guidance is clear enough to help them meet their responsibilities. Similar council enforcement work elsewhere has included action against rogue landlords in Cheshire East.

How to take part before the September deadline

Residents can review the draft Housing Services Enforcement & Financial Penalty Policy 2026 and complete the survey on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s website before the consultation closes on 23 September. The council will use responses before finalising the policy.

Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, said the aim is to protect tenants and raise standards while giving responsible landlords clear guidance on how the new powers will be used locally.

Source: Bath and North East Somerset Council Newsroom

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source and consultation check

This report uses the Bath & North East Somerset Council announcement and distinguishes proposed enforcement measures from final policy decisions.

Checks

Confirmed the consultation closing date of 23 September.
Checked the named draft policy: Housing Services Enforcement & Financial Penalty Policy 20...
Confirmed the enforcement examples listed by the council, including serious hazards, illeg...
Confirmed that the proposals follow duties and powers introduced through the Renters’ Righ...

Bath & North East Somerset Council Newsroom Check related housing enforcement news