URL: https://mygov.elmbridge.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=602

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report sets out the impact of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 on the Council’s housing enforcement responsibilities ahead of its commencement on 1 May 2026. It outlines the key legislative changes, including the Government’s shift towards a stronger, enforcement-led regulatory framework for the private rented sector. The report presents a revised Housing Enforcement Policy for approval to ensure the Council complies with the new statutory requirements and operates within a clear and consistent enforcement framework.

Content: Resolved that   (a)       the Housing Enforcement Policy, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, be adopted with effect from 1 May 2026;   (b)       for a six-moth interim period, the existing and revised policies run concurrently, with cases received before 1 May 2026 handled under the existing policy and all cases received on or after 1 May 2026 being handled under the revised policy, ensuring clarity, fairness and consistency in decision-making; and   (c)        authority be delegated to the Head of Housing Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to make any final minor amendments to the policy that may be necessary prior to publication and to make any further revisions necessary relating to the second phase of measures being introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act which were likely to come into force in late 2026.

Date of Decision: March 18, 2026