Rotherham Council has launched a consultation on new policies designed to improve standards in privately rented homes across the borough. The council is asking residents, tenants, landlords and letting agents for their views on proposed enforcement measures that would take effect when housing laws are breached.
The proposals outline the action Rotherham Council could take against landlords or letting agents who break housing law, and set out how any financial penalties would be calculated. The consultation follows changes introduced through the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which has given councils across the country stronger powers to tackle poor housing standards.
What action could the council take?
Depending on how serious a breach is, the council could provide advice and support, require improvements to be made, issue financial penalties, or pursue legal action in the most serious cases.
The draft policy does not propose any new legal duties for tenants, landlords or letting agents. Instead, it focuses on how Rotherham Council should use its existing powers and how financial penalties should be determined when the law permits.
What is being consulted on?
The consultation invites views 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."
How to take part
The consultation runs until Thursday 8 October 2026. To find out more and take part, visit the council's consultation webpage.
