Rotherham residents, tenants, landlords and letting agents are being asked to have their say on new plans aimed at improving standards in privately rented homes across the borough.
Rotherham Council has launched a consultation on proposed new policies that explain what action it could take when landlords or letting agents break housing laws, and how any financial penalties would be calculated.
The proposals come as councils across the country take on stronger powers to crack down on poor housing standards following changes introduced through the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Under the draft policy, the Council could take a range of actions where housing laws are breached. Depending on the severity of the issue, this could include providing advice and support, requiring improvements to be made, issuing financial penalties or pursuing legal action in the most serious cases.
Importantly, the consultation does not propose any new legal duties for tenants, landlords or letting agents. Instead, it focuses on how the Council should use its existing powers and how any financial penalties should be determined when the law permits.
Views are also being invited on how financial penalties should be applied and what additional support could help landlords and letting agents meet their responsibilities and maintain safe, good-quality homes for tenants.
Cllr Linda Beresford, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: "We want people in Rotherham to have safe, decent homes and to feel confident that concerns about housing standards are taken seriously. At the same time, we recognise the important role that responsible landlords and letting agents play in our communities.
"That's why we're encouraging people to take a look at the proposals and tell us what they think. The feedback we receive will help us get the balance right and make sure the final policy reflects the needs of our borough."
The consultation runs until Thursday 8 October.
To find out more and take part, visit the webpage here.
