URL: https://moderngov.fareham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2778

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek Executive approval for the Draft Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (“the Policy”) prior to public consultation.   The private rented sector continues to play a vital role in meeting local housing need. However, a proportion of properties within the sector fail to achieve acceptable standards, often placing tenants at risk and creating wider community impacts. The Policy strengthens the Council’s ability to:   ·         Respond proportionately and effectively to housing hazards, disrepair, poor property management, unlawful eviction, and harassment;   ·         Apply the full range of statutory enforcement tools, including Civil Penalties, Improvement Notices, Emergency Remedial Action, Rent Repayment Orders, Banning Orders, and licensing enforcement;   ·         Improve transparency for landlords and tenants by clearly setting out the Council’s decision‑making criteria, investigatory powers, and enforcement procedures; and   ·         Support responsible landlords while taking robust action against those who consistently fail to meet legal obligations. The policy aligns with new and existing national legislation including the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, Housing Act 2004, and associated regulations. It supports the Council’s wider objectives around safe and healthy homes, reducing homelessness, and tackling anti‑social behaviour linked to poor housing conditions.

Content: To seek Executive approval for the Draft Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (“the Policy”) prior to public consultation.   The private rented sector continues to play a vital role in meeting local housing need. However, a proportion of properties within the sector fail to achieve acceptable standards, often placing tenants at risk and creating wider community impacts. The Policy strengthens the Council’s ability to:   ·         Respond proportionately and effectively to housing hazards, disrepair, poor property management, unlawful eviction, and harassment;   ·         Apply the full range of statutory enforcement tools, including Civil Penalties, Improvement Notices, Emergency Remedial Action, Rent Repayment Orders, Banning Orders, and licensing enforcement;   ·         Improve transparency for landlords and tenants by clearly setting out the Council’s decision‑making criteria, investigatory powers, and enforcement procedures; and   ·         Support responsible landlords while taking robust action against those who consistently fail to meet legal obligations. The policy aligns with new and existing national legislation including the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, Housing Act 2004, and associated regulations. It supports the Council’s wider objectives around safe and healthy homes, reducing homelessness, and tackling anti‑social behaviour linked to poor housing conditions. RESOLVED that the Executive:   (a)  approves the Draft Private Rented Sector Housing Enforcement Policy attached as Appendix A to this report for public consultation, and notes the possible resource requirements and income streams; and   (b)  agrees that any minor changes to the Draft Private Rented Sector Enforcement Policy prior to public consultation are delegated to the Director of Housing and Health following consultation with the Executive Member for Health and Public Protection.

Date of Decision: March 23, 2026