Landlords in the Bath and North East Somerset area could face increased housing fines, with the local authority proposing an uplift of up to 50% where aggravating factors are identified. These factors may include previous non-compliance, a breach lasting more than six months, or deliberate offending.
The council is currently consulting on a revised Housing Services Enforcement & Financial Penalty Policy. This policy has been developed following new duties and powers granted under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Councillor Matt McCabe, the cabinet member for housing, stated that the Renters’ Rights Act provides councils with a new role in protecting tenants and raising standards. He added that the updated policy aims to explain how these powers will be used locally, ensuring enforcement is fair, transparent, and proportionate.
Proposed starting penalties include £20,000 for failing to carry out required electrical remedial work and £20,000 for serious breaches of HMO fire or amenity standards. Other proposed starting penalties include £12,000 for failing to ensure electrical safety standards are met or for failing to provide an electrical report on request.
The consultation also suggests that fines could be adjusted upwards by up to 20% based on landlord type, portfolio size, experience, and status. Conversely, mitigating factors such as remedial work completed within 28 days or early admission of responsibility could reduce a penalty by up to 50%.