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.

The Government has introduced a number of recent measures to enhance the ability of local authorities to deal with rogue landlords, including the use of civil penalties of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for certain housing offences.

Sunderland City Council has adopted a Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy which incorporates the wide range of tools and powers available to regulate private sector housing, including the use of civil penalties.

View the      Private sector housing enforcement policy (PDF, 1 MB).