Private landlords facing new rules to protect tenants

New policies aimed at improving standards in the private house rental market are being planned by the council.

Now residents, tenants, landlords and letting agents are being asked for their views before moving forward with the proposals.

The proposed policies cover the action the authority can take should landlords or letting agents breach housing laws - and how any financial penalties against them would be calculated.

The proposals changes have been made possible through the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, nationally.

Changes could see the council taking a range of actions where housing laws are breached.

Based on the severity of the circumstances, that could range from providing advice and support, to requiring improvements to be made, issuing financial penalties or pursuing legal action in the most serious cases.

The consultation does not propose any new legal duties for tenants, landlords or letting agents.

Instead, it focuses on how the council should use its existing powers.

Views are also being invited on how financial penalties should be applied and what additional support could help landlords and letting agents meet their responsibilities and maintain safe, good-quality homes for tenants.

Cllr Linda Beresford, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: "We want people in Rotherham to have safe, decent homes and to feel confident that concerns about housing standards are taken seriously.

“At the same time, we recognise the important role that responsible landlords and letting agents play in our communities.

"That's why we're encouraging people to take a look at the proposals and tell us what they think. The feedback we receive will help us get the balance right and make sure the final policy reflects the needs of our borough."

The consultation runs until October 8.