Cabinet backs stronger enforcement to protect private renters
Cabinet members at Lewes District Council have today (June 18) agreed a strengthened approach to regulating the private rented sector, ensuring tenants are better protected and housing standards continue to rise across the district.
The revised policy sets out a more robust and transparent framework for enforcement, enabling the council to intervene earlier in cases of serious non‑compliance, while maintaining constructive relationships with responsible landlords who meet the standards expected of them. It also follows extensive engagement and consultation with other councils and related groups to ensure consistency in the implementation of the reforms.
Councillor Mark Slater, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:
"This is about fairness and accountability.
"Tenants deserve safe, secure homes, and landlords deserve clarity about what the law requires.
"This policy gives us the tools to help us uphold both."
The strengthened policy brings together a firmer enforcement approach where landlord legislation is breached, clearer thresholds for when formal action will be taken, particularly in cases of serious or repeated offences, and a strong focus on tenant safety and property standards. It also introduces a comprehensive civil penalties framework, enabling the council to issue financial penalties as an alternative to prosecution, with all income reinvested locally to improve housing conditions. Together, these measures provide clearer guidance for landlords, tenants and letting agents on how decisions are made, ensuring greater consistency and transparency in the way the council regulates the private rented sector.
Councillor Slater added:
"The Renters' Rights Act gives councils stronger powers, and we intend to use them proportionately and openly. Our priority is that residents should live in homes that are safe, warm and well maintained. This policy ensures we can act quickly and confidently when that standard isn't met.
"We will be engaging with tenants, landlords and agents over the coming months, so everyone understands what this means in practice. Good landlords have nothing to fear, in fact, this policy supports them by tackling the minority who undermine the sector."
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