Private sector housing enforcement

The Private Sector Housing and Environmental Health team works under a wide range of legislation. The council protects tenants from risks posed by unsafe or substandard housing conditions through inspections, advice and enforcement in instances where a landlord does not cooperate or is in clear breach of their duties. This is designed to ensure that housing meets the required standards which is a priority under the Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

To ensure that West Suffolk Council housing enforcement decisions are robust, transparent and consistent, the following policies, statements and documents have been adopted:

• Housing civil penalties under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and other housing legislation - any offences or breaches from 1 May 2026 will be considered in line with the new policy
• West Suffolk Council Civil Penalty Policy 2025 - any existing offences or breaches will be considered in line with the previous policy
• West Suffolk Council Statement of Principles for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations Penalty Determination
• West Suffolk Council Statement of Principles for Minimum Energy Efficiency Regulations Penalty Determination
• Working with private rented sector landlords - West Suffolk Council Rogue Landlord Policy 2025
• West Suffolk Council Enforcement Policy

Other documents and guidance

• HHSRS Enforcement Guidance - Housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS)
• Civil Penalty Guidance

The Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Act 2018

If necessary repairs are not undertaken you may be open to action by the tenant under The Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Act 2018 which amends the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, adding implied terms to tenancy agreements concerning the condition of the let property.

The implied terms give the tenant the right to bring a claim for any failure of the landlord to keep the property fit for habitation. The property must be fit at the start of the lease and remain fit during the term of the lease.

The tenant can bring a claim in the county court. The court can order works to be completed and may award a damages payment to the tenant.

Local authorities are still to be able to use their enforcement powers if a tenant in the private rented sector seeks redress under the act.