New Housing Enforcement Policies to Strengthen Protections for Liverpool Renters

Liverpool is preparing for the most significant shift in private rental legislation for a generation as the city council moves to adopt new powers aimed at improving living standards and tenant security.

Liverpool City Council Cabinet is set to approve new Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Civil Penalty policies to strengthen protections for renters. 

These updates ensure the city is fully prepared for the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. 

The new framework, which comes into force from 1 May 2026, provides a robust and legally compliant structure for regulating the private rented sector and enforcing landlord obligations across every ward.

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces major reforms, including the abolition of “no-fault” evictions and the replacement of fixed-term tenancies with assured periodic tenancies. 

It also strengthens protections against unfair rent increases and places a new statutory duty on local authorities to enforce landlord legislation.

A New Framework for Enforcement

The Council’s existing policies were adopted before these national reforms and required updating to reflect the new legal requirements. Under the updated framework, the Council will have a statutory duty to consider enforcement action whenever breaches are identified.

Key changes to the enforcement approach include:

• Earlier Intervention: Action can be taken at an earlier stage rather than relying primarily on informal agreements.
• Civil Penalty Framework: A nationally aligned system will be introduced with structured consideration for aggravating and mitigating factors.
• Expanded Powers: Investigatory powers will be bolstered to support more effective regulation of unsafe housing conditions.
• Greater Transparency: Clearer guidance will be provided to help officers, landlords, and tenants understand the new standards.

The updated policies establish a single, city-wide approach aimed at protecting vulnerable residents and building healthier communities. Transitional arrangements will be in place to ensure ongoing cases are concluded under existing rules where necessary.

Supporting Fair Standards

The council will now be required to report its enforcement activity to the government as part of this new statutory framework. 

Councillor Hetty Wood, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, highlighted that the changes are designed to target poor practice rather than responsible landlords.

Councillor Hetty Wood said:

“The Renters’ Rights Act is a once in a generation change that will significantly improve security and fairness for private renters. 

“By updating our enforcement and civil penalty policies, we are making sure Liverpool is ready to meet its new legal duties from day one and that standards across the private rented sector are applied consistently and fairly. 

“Good landlords have nothing to fear from these changes. 

“They are about tackling poor practice, improving housing conditions, and making sure residents across the city can live in safe and secure homes.”

The policies will be kept under regular review as further legislation and government guidance evolve, ensuring Liverpool remains at the forefront of housing standards regulation.