Agenda item

The Private Sector Housing Manager presented a report on the Renters Right Act 2025.

Members were advised that the Act had received Royal Assent on 27th October 2025, with reforms being introduced through a phased approach. New investigatory powers came into effect from 27th December 2025, and Phase 1 of the reforms was scheduled to commence on 1st May 2026.

The report outlined the key reforms that would affect residents in Redditch. It was estimated that the private rented sector in the Borough comprised approximately 5,318 homes.

Members were informed of the three phases of implementation and the elements included within each stage:

·       Phase 1 – Key reforms included the abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, limits on rent increases and making it illegal to discriminate against renters.

·       Phase 2 – Scheduled for late 2026, this phase would introduce the regional landlord and local council database, along with the establishment of the new Ombudsman service.

·       Phase 3 – Expected to come into effect between 2026 and 2027, this phase would introduce a new Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector.

Officers noted that an increase in demand for support was anticipated, including higher volumes of enquiries to the Private Sector Housing team, an initial rise in homelessness, and some landlords leaving the sector. To prepare for this, the team had been expanded from three to five officers, with training and upskilling underway. Funding had also been secured for a new case?management system to ensure statutory deadlines could be met.

Following the presentation, Members had detailed discussion and commented on the following points:

• Members welcomed the increased support for those renting in the private sector, including the introduction of assured tenancies and a ban on rental bidding.
• It was highlighted that the Council would have strengthened enforcement powers to address rogue landlords who were not providing a good service to their tenants.
• Members expressed that everyone deserved to live in a decent home, and this policy would improve the living conditions for many residents across Redditch.
• A query was raised regarding the level of new burdens funding that had been awarded and how costs would be met. Officers advised that the funding was intended to support Councils in preparing for the reforms and that income from fines would be reinvested into the Private Sector Housing team. The Council would also receive a portion of the fees paid by landlords registering on the regional database. Members noted that expenditure would need to be monitored as the service developed.

It was proposed that the new burdens funding of £20,057.95 be noted, rather than recommending to Council that the 2026/27 Medium Term Financial Plan be updated.

RESOLVED that:-

1)  The update provided in the report in respect of the Renters Rights Act 2025 be noted.

2)  The new burdens funding of £20,057.95 be noted.

RECOMMENDED that:-

3)    The Scheme of Delegations be amended to incorporate new powers under the Renters Rights Act 2025 in accordance with the wording as set out below.

4) Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director of Community & Housing to spend the new burdens funding for Renters Rights Act 2025 preparations.