Private sector housing enforcement policy
Sunderland City Council is committed to improving housing standards and ensuring that properties within the private rented sector are well managed, free from hazards and safe for those who occupy them. Whilst the Council recognises that the majority of landlords operate in a legal and professional manner and work hard to ensure that their properties meet the required standards, unfortunately there are some landlords who poorly manage and fail to maintain their property and in some cases, knowingly flout the law.
Financial and civil penalties in lieu of prosecution for housing related disrepair matters in the private rented sector has been a tool the Government introduced in legislation in 2016. Sunderland City Council adopted these powers by introducing a policy in 2018. This policy has been subject to various changes over time. The Renters Rights Act 2025 has introduced significant changes and protections to the private rented sector. Significant changes come into effect on the 1st May 2026. Some of these changes include the introduction of new breaches and offences in relation to the private rented sector. Further more it increases the maximum financial/ civil penalty from £30,000 to £40,000 in the worst cases.
The Council has brought in a new private sector enforcement policy and a specific civil penalty policy in relation to the private rented sector. these polices can be viewed by the links below.
View the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy 2026 (PDF, 662 KB).
