Housing standards

About this consultation

Consultation end date: 23:59 on 3 March 2026

We are seeking views on our draft Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy.

A timely update of housing enforcement policies is required following the introduction of the Renters Rights Act 2025. This Act introduces a significantly expanded civil penalty framework and places new duties on Cheltenham Borough Council to enforce a broader range of landlord obligations. To meet these requirements, the council must ensure its relevant policies are fully aligned with the new legislative framework.

The Renters’ Rights Act represents a fundamental shift from the enforcement position set out in the Regulators Code. Section 107 places a statutory duty on local housing authorities to enforce landlord legislation, altering the balance between informal action and formal enforcement.  Where breaches of the defined ‘landlord legislation’ are identified, the council must now actively consider enforcement action to meet this duty, rather than defaulting to advice or informal resolution in the first instance. 

The Association of Chief Environmental Health Officers (ACEHO) has developed a suit of policies, including a private sector housing enforcement policy. Aligning our policy with this national framework supports a consistent approach to enforcement. The new policy will take effect on 1 May 2026.

How you can respond

This consultation is open for three weeks, closing at 23:59 on 3 March 2026.

You can respond to the consultation with your feedback:

• By post to Cheltenham Borough Council, Private Sector Housing, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA
• By email to [email protected]

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]