Managing a property - information for landlords
Contents
Housing enforcement powers
The main legislation we use to enforce housing standards is Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The HHSRS is used to assess whether a hazard exists, and how severe the hazard is.
We will always have regard to the severity of the hazards when deciding the most appropriate course of action to take, and wherever possible, will liaise with the persons responsible for the property to resolve any issues amicably.
But, in situations that may involve an imminent risk of serious harm or there’s a time sensitive health or safety concern, it may be inappropriate to delay taking formal enforcement action.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced a range of new offences and breaches relating to tenancies - we have a duty to enforce these. You can find out more information on the government's Housing Hub.
Enforcement actions and their respective charge
The Housing Act 2004 allows local authorities to make a reasonable charge to recover its administrative (and other) expenses when serving a notice.
The charges are correct as at 1 April 2026.
- Hazard Awareness Notice - £431
- Improvement Notice - £431
- Prohibition Order - £431
- Emergency Prohibition Order - £431
- Emergency Remedial Action - £431
- Demolition Order - £650
- Review of Suspended Improvement Notice / Prohibition Order - £172
We use many other powers that can be found in various legislation. To better understand how we undertake regulatory and enforcement action, visit Enforcement policy to read the Housing Enforcement Policy from 1 May 2026.
Page last reviewed: 01 May 2026
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