Calderdale Council is considering imposing tougher financial penalties on rogue landlords after inspections uncovered widespread housing rule breaches in a borough with a large private rented sector.

Senior councillors are being asked to back a new enforcement policy, which would allow Calderdale to issue civil penalty notices for housing offences.

Civil penalties mean local authorities can take direct enforcement action without having to go through the courts, which can be a protracted process.

Calderdale estimates there are currently around 18,000 privately rented homes in the borough. In 2024-25, the council received more than 700 housing-related complaints and 329 properties were visited.

Formal action

A total of 63% of those inspections resulted in some form of formal action or intervention.

The proposed changes would allow fines of up to £30,000 for offences including failing to comply with improvement notices, operating unlicensed properties and breaching banning orders.

The size of any penalty, though, would depend on “the level of harm suffered and culpability of the offender”.

Councillors have also been told that the Government is now reviewing the current civil penalty cap, with the maximum fine expected to rise from £30,000 to £40,000 under wider reforms to landlord enforcement powers.

Not only would this protect residents, but would also support responsible landlords.”

Cllr Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, says: “Legislation to allow us to issue penalty notices would strengthen our enforcement powers and see us getting tough on poor landlords or letting agents. Not only would this protect residents, but would also support responsible landlords.”

The vote comes as councils face growing pressure from the Government to strengthen enforcement of housing standards ahead of the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in May.