Landlords face fines of up to £35,000 under new council policy

A council has announced a new civil penalty policy for the PRS and told landlords how to tackle anti-social behaviour from tenants.

Bristol City Council has published a new Civil Penalty Policy for private housing offences to reflect changes introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act, saying civil penalties will be used “proportionately”.

The council has also published new guidance for landlords on how to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour from tenants.

Compliant landlords should not be concerned by higher penalty levels

Bristol Council says civil penalties will be used “proportionately”, with enforcement focused on addressing poor housing conditions and “protecting tenants from harm”.

Under the new policy, landlords who break the rules could face fines of up to £35,000. The penalties include:

• Unlawful eviction or harassment: £35,000
• Knowingly or recklessly relying on a possession ground that cannot be used: £30,000
• Failure to comply with an Improvement Notice: £25,000
• Failure to licence an HMO when required: £17,000

However, the council claims compliant landlords “should not be concerned by the higher penalty levels, which are aimed at those who fail to meet the standards responsible landlords already achieve”.

The council adds: “Our aim is to ensure penalties are fair, consistent and effective deterrents while helping to improve standards for tenants across the city”.

Guidance for anti-social behaviour

The council have also published guidance for landlords on how to tackle anti-social behaviour.

They claim landlords can help prevent anti-social behaviour by setting clear expectations with tenants and addressing concerns early.

The council has also set out a list of measures for landlords of licensed properties, recommending that they:

• Include anti-social behaviour clauses in tenancy agreements.
• Obtain references for prospective tenants where appropriate.
• Monitor properties regularly for signs of ASB.
• Provide contact details to neighbouring residents where required by licence conditions.

The council added that, with the new academic year approaching, it is important for landlords to speak to student tenants about being good neighbours and respecting the local community, particularly when it comes to noise, waste and recycling.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, when using a discretionary ground for possession, landlords will have to prove that anti-social behaviour has occurred, and the court will then decide whether it is reasonable to evict the tenant.

Previously, a Labour Minister claimed that the Renters’ Rights Act will help tackle anti-social behaviour.