Renting is changing: share your views on our proposed private sector housing enforcement policies in Barnsley

We want to hear from landlords, tenants and partners on two updated policies that will shape how we enforce standards in the private rented housing sector from Friday 1 May 2026.

We’re revising our Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and Civil Penalty Policy to ensure we’re ready for our new legal duties under the Renters’ Rights Act.

This new legislation will significantly strengthen tenant protections and require councils to take enforcement action where landlords breach defined housing legislation.

You can read more about these changes and what they will mean in Barnsley by visiting our dedicated webpages about private landlord responsibilities and advice for private tenants.

We’re currently seeking people’s opinions on our policies to make sure we’re ready for the Renters’ Right Act coming into effect nationally from Friday 1 May 2026:

• Barnsley Council Housing Enforcement Policy
• Barnsley Council Civil Penalty Policy

Our updated policies set out a clearer, more consistent approach to tackling poor housing conditions, supporting responsible landlords and ensuring renters are safe, secure and treated fairly. Key changes include:

• A strengthened enforcement framework, enabling us to take formal action sooner where serious or repeated breaches to housing legislation and standards occur.
• A nationally aligned model to civil penalties, promoting fairness, transparency and consistency by aligning our approach with councils across England.
• Updated mandatory licensing conditions for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), setting out clearer expectations for property management, safety and record keeping.

By aligning our plans with nationally recognised best practice, we hope our new policies will help reduce inconsistencies and improve tenant protections. By reviewing our policies now, we’re ensuring we successfully fulfil our legal duty to enforce landlord legislation effectively.

Have your say

We want to hear what landlords, tenants, housing providers and other stakeholders think about our proposed policies, including how they feel they’ll work in practice.

Your feedback will help us to finalise our approach ready for the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, ensuring it’s fair, proportionate and robust.

Have your say by Friday 17 April 2026 and help shape the future of private rented sector regulation in Barnsley. You can share your views by completing our online survey.