Civil Penalty Notices for Housing Offences
The Housing and Planning Act 2016 provides powers that permit local authorities to impose a civil penalty of up to £30,000 as an alternative to prosecution for a range of offences under the Housing Act 2004, and where a landlord or property agent has breached a banning order under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.
Gloucester City Council wants to support responsible landlords who provide decent and well-maintained homes. However, a small number of landlords knowingly rent out unsafe and substandard accommodation.
- Civil Penalties have now been adopted by the Council and are set out in the Civil Penalty Notice Policy (PDF, 212.9 KB) .
- Civil Penalties are in line with the current Magistrates Court Sentencing Guidelines and are consistent with recent fines.
- Civil Penalties take into consideration the nature of the offences and their seriousness, the behaviour and culpability of the landlord, as well as the landlord’s income.
If applied, Civil Penalties can result in a quicker and more cost-effective method of enforcement action.
The Civil Penalties have been developed by officers from the Gloucestershire Local Housing Authorities in order to provide consistency across the region.