Calderdale Council is reviewing a new enforcement policy that would allow it to issue civil penalty notices of up to £30,000 to landlords who breach housing regulations.
The West Yorkshire authority, which oversees approximately 18,000 privately rented homes, received over 700 housing-related complaints during 2024-25. Council inspectors visited 329 properties, with 63% of inspections resulting in formal action or intervention.
Proposed enforcement measures
The policy under consideration would enable the council to issue fines without court proceedings for offences including failure to comply with improvement notices, operating unlicensed properties, and breaching banning orders.
Penalty amounts would be determined based on the level of harm suffered and the culpability of the offender, according to council documents.
The council has also been informed that the Government is reviewing the current civil penalty cap, with the maximum fine expected to increase from £30,000 to £40,000 under broader reforms to landlord enforcement powers.
Market context
Cllr Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, stated: “Legislation to allow us to issue penalty notices would strengthen our enforcement powers and see us getting tough on poor landlords or letting agents. Not only would this protect residents, but would also support responsible landlords.”
The proposal comes as councils face increased pressure from central government to strengthen enforcement of housing standards ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation in May.
The enforcement policy will be considered by senior councillors in the coming weeks. If approved, Calderdale would join other local authorities using civil penalties as an alternative to court prosecution for housing offences.
