Wakefield Council to get more power to investigate renters' property conditions including damp and heating under new laws

Updates are needed to the council’s housing support services in response to the Renters Rights Act – new legislation changes how the private rental sector is regulated and managed.

Historically, the council would work with landlords to make sure they were compliant with the standards required before escalating to formal enforcement.

The new legislative framework means that the council will have to act sooner and requires earlier formal action and more frequent use of civil penalty notices.

Local authorities will have more powers to investigate issues with property conditions, these include checking minimum standards are met and compelling landlords to address serious hazards in homes, such as inadequate heating and damp and mould problems.

The council will need to update its policies, procedures, and operational approaches.

Later in 2026 Wakefield Counil will have access to a new national landlord database that is being set up by the Government.

The council has secured government funding to begin implementing the changes.

Other changes include increased maximum penalties and the setting up of an ombudsman for the private sector that requires landlord membership.

Coun Andrew Wakefield, Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Skills and Business Growth said: “The Renters Rights Act is the biggest change to the private rental sector in a generation.

“Although we know that most landlords provide good quality accommodation in our district, where this isn’t the case, the Renters Right Act means we have to take action more quickly where standards fall short.”