Decision

The Cabinet has decided to adopt enforcement policies under the Renters Rights Act 2025 to address sub-standard private rented sector properties.

Analysis

outcome: Recommendations were approved by the Cabinet.

summary: Enforcement policies under the Renters Rights Act 2025 are being adopted to address sub-standard private rented sector properties.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to adopt enforcement policies under the Renters Rights Act 2025 to address sub-standard private rented sector properties.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves potential financial penalties for landlords and could impact the availability of rental properties.

affected_stakeholders: ["Landlords", "Tenants", "Housing agencies"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.

URL: https://democracy.testvalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=663

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Resolved: 1.  That the Civil Penalties Policy attached as Annex 1, to the report, and the Enforcement Policy attached as Annex 2 be adopted to facilitate enforcement action under the Renters Rights Act 2025. 2.  That the Director of Housing & Environmental Health be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Director of Finance & Revenues, the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Environmental Health and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Revenues, to approve and adopt a new Debt Recovery Policy for Civil Penalties when further guidance is available.  3.  That the Director of Housing & Environmental Health be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Director of Finance & Revenues, the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Environmental Health and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Revenues to make minor changes to the adopted policies in response to updates in legislation, including delegated authority to update and charge fees associated with the policy. 4.  That income received from civil penalties and rent repayment orders is ringfenced to support further enforcement activity involving sub-standard private rented sector properties.

Date of Decision: May 20, 2026