Private landlord advice

Private Rented Sector and Housing Standards Enforcement Policy

Sandwell Council is committed to ensuring that people living in the private rented sector have access to safe, well-managed homes and that landlords and managing agents comply with their legal responsibilities.

The Private Rented Sector and Housing Standards Enforcement Policy explains how the council uses its housing enforcement powers to tackle poor housing conditions, unlawful practices and non-compliance with housing legislation.

The policy sets out:

  • How the council investigates housing complaints and concerns.
  • The enforcement options available to the council.
  • How decisions are made regarding formal enforcement action.
  • The circumstances in which civil financial penalties may be imposed.
  • The framework used to determine the level of financial penalties.
  • How the council ensures enforcement action is fair, consistent, proportionate and transparent.

The policy covers enforcement powers available under housing legislation including the Housing Act 2004, the Housing and Planning Act 2016, the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 and the Renters' Rights Act.

The council's approach aims to:

  • Protect tenants from unsafe or poor-quality housing.
  • Support responsible landlords and agents.
  • Encourage compliance through advice and engagement where appropriate.
  • Take firm action where serious or persistent breaches of the law occur.
  • Ensure enforcement decisions are evidence-based, transparent and consistent.

Download the policy

The full policy document can be downloaded here.

Who is this policy for?

This policy may be of interest to:

  • Private landlords
  • Letting and managing agents
  • Tenants
  • Property owners
  • Housing professionals
  • Partner agencies
  • Members of the public seeking information about housing enforcement in Sandwell

Further information

If you require further information about housing standards, landlord responsibilities or housing enforcement, please contact the Private Rented Sector and Housing Standards Team at Duty_PRS@Sandwell.gov.uk.