Rotherham Council wants to hear from residents, tenants, landlords and letting agents as it consults on new proposals for tackling poor standards in the borough’s privately rented housing.
The consultation covers how the council would respond when landlords or agents break housing law, and how it would calculate any financial penalties that follow. It comes as councils nationally gain stronger enforcement powers under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Under the draft policy, the council’s response would scale with the seriousness of the breach — starting with advice and support, moving through requirements to make improvements, and escalating to financial penalties or legal action in the most serious cases. The consultation doesn’t propose giving tenants, landlords or letting agents any new legal duties; instead, it’s focused on how the council should apply the powers it already holds, and how penalties should be set within the boundaries the law allows.
Extra support
Alongside the enforcement questions, the council is also asking what extra support might help landlords and agents meet their obligations and keep homes safe and well maintained.
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 closes on Thursday 8 October.
