Purpose

The Renters’ Rights Act delivers the Government’s manifesto commitment to transform the experience of private renting by giving renters much greater security and stability. All local authorities have a responsibility in ensuring that provisions in the Act are being implemented effectively and that landlords and agents who flout the rules are held to account. It is estimated that The City of Doncaster Council has approximately 26,340 (according to the 2021 census data) privately rented dwellings in its area.
This Act aims to improve private sector renter rights and the standard of private rented accommodation by way of:
• tenancy reform and enforcement provisions
• introduction of Landlord database which Local Authorities will enforce
• introduction of the Decent Homes Standard for private rented homes and enforcement
provisions
• increased enforcement duties and the duty to report on activity
• application of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector

Decision

Accept the £99,346.81 funding to cover familiarisation costs and preparation for our new enforcement responsibilities.

Alternative options considered

The alternative option is to reject the funding, leaving the Authority without additional resources to effectively prepare for the new enforcement burdens placed on us under the Renters Rights Bill. This is a regulatory requirement so do nothing is not an option.