Liverpool City Council Cabinet is set to approve new Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Civil Penalty policies to strengthen protections for renters and ensure the city is fully prepared for the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
The new policies, which come into force from 1 May 2026, provide a clear, robust and legally compliant framework for regulating standards in the private rented sector and enforcing landlord obligations across all wards in the city.
The Renters’ Rights Act represents the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation. It abolishes so called “no fault” evictions, replaces fixed term tenancies with assured periodic tenancies, strengthens protections against unfair rent increases, and places a new statutory duty on councils to enforce landlord legislation.
Liverpool City Council’s existing enforcement and civil penalty policies were adopted before these reforms and no longer reflect the requirements of the new legislation. The updated policies ensure the Council can meet its statutory duties, apply enforcement fairly and consistently, and reduce the risk of legal challenge.
Under the new framework:
• The Council will have a statutory duty to consider enforcement action where breaches of landlord legislation are identified.
• Enforcement action can be taken at an earlier stage where required, rather than relying on informal approaches by default.
• A nationally aligned civil penalty framework will be introduced, with clearer starting points and structured consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors.
• Expanded investigatory powers will support more effective regulation of poor or unsafe housing conditions.
• Clear guidance will be provided for officers, landlords and tenants, helping to ensure transparency and consistency.
The decision establishes a single, city wide approach to enforcement and supports delivery of the Council Plan by improving housing standards, protecting vulnerable residents, and helping to build healthier, safer communities.
The policies have been designed to align with nationally recognised best practice. Transitional arrangements will allow existing policies to operate alongside the new framework for a limited period to conclude ongoing cases.
Liverpool City Council will be required to report on its housing enforcement activity to government as part of the new statutory framework and will keep the policies under regular review as legislation and guidance evolve.
Councillor Hetty Wood, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is a once in a generation change that will significantly improve security and fairness for private renters.
“By updating our enforcement and civil penalty policies, we are making sure Liverpool is ready to meet its new legal duties from day one and that standards across the private rented sector are applied consistently and fairly.
“Good landlords have nothing to fear from these changes. They are about tackling poor practice, improving housing conditions, and making sure residents across the city can live in safe and secure homes.”
