Information and advice
If you are a landlord in Warwick District or considering becoming one, the Private Sector Housing Team can advise you on legal requirements and good practice. With the Renters Rights Act 2025 bringing in big changes for the sector and new housing offences it's more important than ever that you understand your legal obligations and undertake regular professional development.
Private Sector Housing is a multi-disciplinary team that can advise you on:
- Your legal requirements when advertising or arranging a tenancy
- Disrepair issues and your obligations
- Houses in Multiple Occupation and Licensing
- Landlord and Tenant disputes
- The Renters Rights Act 2025
To raise a new request for advice, please email privatesectorhousing@warwickdc.gov.uk and your request will be allocated to an officer.
Landlord updates
New Enforcement Policy
A new Enforcement Policy was adopted on June 10th 2026. It sets out the new approach to enforcement activity for the all regulatory services at WDC including Private Sector Housing. The new approach removes the requirement to take informal action first. If officers inspect a property and find there are significant Category 1 hazards to the occupier, formal enforcement action may be taken immediately. It is important for landlords and managers to conduct regular inspections of their properties to monitor conditions proactively and to remedy repairs quickly.
New Civil Penalties Policy
A new Civil Penalty Policy was adopted on June 10th 2026. It has been updated to include the new offences created by the Renters Rights Act 2025. Civil penalties are an alternative to prosecution, offences are wide ranging and the fines can be up to £40,000.
Changes to Property Inspections
Powers of Entry - Authorised Officers are no longer required to provide the person in control of the property with 24 hours notice that an inspection is to take place. They may now notify you after the inspection has taken place.
Housing, Health and Safety Rating System - The system officers use to rate hazards in domestic properties was updated on 23/6/26. New guidance for landlords and agents was produced.
Renters Rights Act 2025
Housing Enforcement
Private Sector Housing is responsible for undertaking investigations relating to housing compliance issues:
- Disrepair / Health and Safety issues in privately rented property
- Properties lacking in suitable fire precautions or carbon monxide detection
- The licensing and regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation
- Properties lacking required safety certification
- Attempts to seek possession of a rented property from the tenant without following the proper procedure (illegal eviction, harrassment, incorrect verbal or written notices)
- Offences relating to the advertising of rental properties, including discrimination, rental bidding and unclear pricing
- Letting properties whilst under a rental restriction
- Failure to provide the 'Renters Rights Act Information Sheet 2026' explaining the rights of existing tenants under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
- Failure of a letting agent or property manager to be registered with a redress scheme
- Pest issues
- Damage to your property caused by a defect in a neighbour's property (for example, a leak. Does not include fences or damage from overgrown gardens)
- Filthy and verminous properties
- Overcrowded properties and undersized rooms
We request that tenants report issues of disrepair to their landlord or agents first to provide an opportunity to rectify the issue. Trained officers will arrange an inspection of the property to assess conditions and will contact you if action is required to address safety issues or further investigation is required. It is common practice that officers will review the safety certification and will require provision in 7 days. Landlords must keep all safety certification and fire risk assessments up to date and easily accessible.
Newsletter
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Landlord Forum
Landlord Forums are organised by Warwick District Council and the Landlord Steering Group. These are free local events for private landlords, letting agents and others involved in letting property in the private rented sector. It is essential training for those seeking to keep their practical knowledge up-to-date.
Landlord Steering Group
The Landlord Steering Group (LSG) is chaired by an experienced private landlord, with the aim to establish an effective partnership between the local authority and those involved in letting property locally in the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
Regulation updates
Read the latest regulation updates for the private rented sector.
Making your home available for tenants
There is currently not enough social housing within Warwick District to meet the needs of all residents. The private rented sector plays an important role in helping to meet housing needs.
If you have a property you are considering making available to council tenants, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Private rented sector access team
Contact us
01926 456733 or email; balwant.rai@warwickdc.gov.uk our Landlord Liaison Officer for further advice.
The GOV.UK website also provides information about being a landlord and renting out a room.