Landlord rights and responsibilities

The Residential Enforcement Team regulates housing and public health conditions in private sector housing. We do this to ensure a better living environment for residents in the borough. We can take enforcement action against people that own, live in or rent properties. We most commonly deal with private rented properties where a tenant has contacted us for assistance in resolving disrepair.

If a landlord fails to carry out repairs or maintenance to a property, the Residential Enforcement Team can serve notices to require works. 

Cases are unique and considered on their own merits; however there are general principles that apply which are set out in our Enforcement Policy.

We don’t usually take action against homeowners, unless:

• conditions in the property, or on the land, are causing a nuisance, or
• conditions in the property, or on the land, are causing damage to neighbouring property or land, or
• there is an issue that could affect public safety, or
• the property has been left empty

We will also take action where we have a statutory duty to act.