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Private sector housing standards - Legislation governing private rented homes
1. Housing Act 2004
- Introduced the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) for assessing housing conditions.
- Established mandatory HMO licensing and management regulations.
- Provides powers for Improvement Notices, Prohibition Orders, and Civil Penalties.
2. Housing and Planning Act 2016
- Strengthened enforcement with civil penalties up to £30,000, rent repayment orders, and banning orders for rogue landlords.
- Created the Rogue Landlord Database and allowed councils to recover enforcement costs.
3. Renters’ Rights Act 2025
- Abolishes Section 21 “no-fault” evictions from May 2026.
- Converts all tenancies to assured periodic tenancies.
- Introduces PRS Database, Landlord Ombudsman, and extends Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private sector.
- Limits rent increases to once per year and bans discrimination against families and benefit claimants.
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4. HMO Management Regulations (under Housing Act 2004)
- Sets out fire safety, amenities, and management duties for landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation.
- Non-compliance can lead to civil penalties, prosecution, or loss of licence.
5. Tenant Fees Act 2019
- Prohibits most upfront fees charged to tenants.
- Caps deposits and restricts rent in advance.
- Breaches can result in civil penalties and enforcement action.
