Civil Penalties in Private Sector Housing
Tamworth Borough Council is committed to ensuring that all privately rented homes in the borough are safe, well-maintained, and compliant with legal standards. As part of our enforcement powers under the Housing Act 2004, we may impose civil penalties on landlords or property agents who fail to meet their legal obligations.
Civil penalties are an alternative to prosecution and can be issued for a range of housing offences, including:
- Failure to comply with improvement notices
- Offences in relation to licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
- Breaches of the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector
- Non-compliance with smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations
These penalties can be significant, with fines of up to £30,000 per offence. The amount is determined based on the severity of the offence, the landlord’s history, and the potential harm to tenants.
Why Civil Penalties Matter
Civil penalties are a vital tool in protecting tenants and raising housing standards. They:
- Encourage landlords to comply with their legal responsibilities
- Act as a deterrent to poor property management
- Help ensure that tenants live in safe and healthy homes
Our Policy
For full details on how Tamworth Borough Council determines and applies civil penalties, including how fines are calculated and the appeals process, please refer to our Civil Penalty Policy.
If you are a landlord and unsure of your responsibilities, or a tenant concerned about the condition of your home, please contact our Private Sector Housing Team for advice and support. Private-sectorhousing@tamworth.gov.uk