Thousands of private renters across Warrington are set to benefit from stronger council powers aimed at improving housing standards and tackling landlords who fail to provide safe and decent homes.
The proposed Housing Standards and Assistance Team Enforcement Policy and Housing Standards and Assistance Civil Penalty Policy have been developed following changes introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, and were considered by Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday 9 September.
These new policies set out how the council will use these new powers in a fair, transparent and proportionate way to address issues in the private rented sector and help ensure residents have access to safe, healthy and well-managed homes.
For residents, this means stronger action can be taken where landlords fail to deal with serious issues such as damp and mould, unsafe living conditions, overcrowding, harassment or unlawful eviction.
The policies will also provide greater clarity for tenants, landlords and managing agents about how housing legislation is enforced and what action the council may take when standards fall below legal requirements.
As part of the new framework, the council will be able to make use of a range of enforcement measures where appropriate, including civil penalties, rent repayment orders and banning orders for the most serious cases of non-compliance.
Cllr John Kerr-Brown, cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe, secure and free from serious hazards.
“We are committed to tackling poor quality housing and working with responsible landlords to ensure residents can access good-quality rented accommodation in Warrington.
“These policies set out how we will use our powers in a fair and proportionate way to protect tenants, support responsible landlords and promote safer, healthier and better managed homes across the borough.
“Ultimately, this is about protecting and supporting our residents, improving housing standards and ensuring people can feel secure in the place they call home.”
For more visit warrington.gov.uk
