"Everyone deserves to live in a safe and secure home": Cotswold District Council approves stronger protections for private renters

The policy explains how the council will tackle problems in privately rented homes and use new powers introduced through the Renters' Rights Act 2025 to help ensure residents have safe, healthy, and well-maintained places to live. 

It also makes clear what landlords and letting agents are expected to do, and how the council will respond, when standards fall short.  

The council will continue to take a proportionate approach, working with landlords and providing advice and guidance where possible. However, stronger enforcement action remains available where serious hazards or persistent breaches are identified. 

Cllr Andrea Pellegram, cabinet member for environmental and regulatory services, said: "Everyone deserves to live in a safe and secure home. This updated policy helps us protect tenants from unsafe or poorly managed accommodation while supporting responsible landlords who are doing the right thing." 

The policy also supports wider council priorities around health, wellbeing and sustainability by promoting warmer, healthier homes. 

Cllr Mike McKeown, cabinet member for climate change and digital, said: "Helping landlords improve the energy efficiency of their properties benefits everyone. More efficient homes can help residents reduce their energy bills, cut carbon emissions and enjoy warmer, healthier living conditions. 

"There are significant wider benefits too. Warm, dry homes support residents' health and wellbeing and can help reduce pressure on public services." 

Councillor Paul Evans, cabinet member for health and communities, added: "Good quality housing plays a vital role in protecting public health. Anything that enables earlier intervention when housing conditions fall below acceptable standards helps support residents' wellbeing and can reduce pressure on health services. 

"This policy strengthens our ability to protect tenants and promote healthier homes across the district." 

The new policy also provides clear expectations for landlords and letting agents, helping ensure consistent standards across the private rented sector while giving council officers the tools needed to respond effectively when problems arise. 

The Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy was approved unanimously by Cabinet and will be reviewed in 2029.