A council is considering increasing penalties for rogue private landlords.

Calderdale’s Labour-controlled authority in West Yorkshire has some 18,000 privately rented homes.

Under new national powers granted to councils by the Renters Rights Act, councillors in Calderdale are now proposing to introduce Civil Penalty Notices (CPNs) for housing offences.

These fines would be imposed against landlords or letting agents who fail to keep homes safe, commit illegal evictions, or create hazards that could harm tenants. 

The amount of the fine would depends on how serious the problem is and the extent to which the landlord is responsible for the hazard. 

Each hazard can receive its own penalty.

A statement from the authority says: “The introduction of these penalty notices would allow the council to act quickly without having to go through lengthy court processes.”

A spokesperson says: “Everybody has a right to live in a safe, secure and comfortable home, and we take our responsibilities around housing enforcement very seriously.

“We know that most private landlords in Calderdale treat their tenants fairly, but when we receive reports of unacceptable standards, or unsafe conditions, we are committed to taking swift and strong action.

“Legislation to allow us to issue penalty notices would strengthen our enforcement powers and see us getting tough on poor landlords or letting agents. 

“Not only would this protect residents, but would also support responsible landlords.”