Civil penalty policy for private housing related offences and breaches consultation

We asked

Between 16 February 2026 and 30 March 2026, we asked for views on a new civil penalty policy for private housing related offences and breaches.

An online consultation survey was available to respondents. Alternative formats such as Easy Read, braille, large print, printed surveys, and translation to other languages were available on request.

The consultation was highlighted in a number of sector specific publications as well as local and national press. The Private Housing Service’s Landlord and Tenant Liaison Officers also circulated the questionnaire to its contacts which included landlords, agents and renters and their representative groups. Additionally, the new proposals were discussed at the West of England Landlord and Agent Panel in March which was attended by representatives from National and Regional landlord and agent organisations and neighbouring local authorities.

You said

A total of 159 responses were received. The consultation report summarises the results.

We did

The Civil Penalty Policy for private housing related offences and breaches was approved by the Homes and Housing Delivery Policy Committee on 17 June 2026.

Note the following changes to the policy that were incorporated following analysis of the consultation results: 

• The starting points for locally set penalties relating to failure to provide information or documentation on demand (excluding safety certificates or safety declarations) are reduced from £4000 to £3000.
• The definition of vulnerability remains unchanged, but the increase in the level of penalty for this factor is reduced from 20% to 10% of the starting point for that breach or offence.
• Due to the significantly higher than average rent levels in Bristol compared to the rest of the country, that for the penalties to have sufficient deterrence against non-compliance, the level of penalty is increased by 10% where the rent is above the Local Housing Allowance rate.
• The proposed adjustment for reliable evidence demonstrating remedial action carried out in a timely manner is changed to:
  • Remedial action taken within fourteen [as opposed to the seven days proposed] calendar days of when the breach or offence was committed is decreased by 33%.
  • Remedied within twenty-eight calendar days of when the breach or offence was committed: Decrease by 15% [not 10%]; of the starting point for that breach or offence.