The Housing Select Committee of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act and to agree the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. The committee noted the report on the Renters' Rights Act, confirming the council's preparedness for its implementation and the initial impact observed since its commencement. They also agreed to the proposed work programme for 2026-27.

Renters' Rights Act - One Month Implementation Update

The committee received an update on the council's preparedness for the Renters' Rights Act, which represents a significant reform of the private rented sector. The Act, which came into effect in phases starting May 2026, aims to improve tenant security, housing standards, and enforcement responsibilities. Key changes in Phase 1 include the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions, the introduction of assured periodic tenancies, limitations on rent increases to once a year, a ban on rental bidding, and enhanced tenant rights regarding pets and protection from discrimination.

Officers from the Housing Needs and Private Sector Licensing and Enforcement services reported that the council was well-prepared, having undertaken extensive staff training, policy reviews, and communication campaigns. They highlighted that the integration of housing needs and enforcement services within the same directorate provided a strong foundation for managing the Act's changes. Since the Act's commencement, the council had already received reports of invalid Section 21 notices, Section 8 notices, and a complaint of rental discrimination, all of which were being investigated.

The council has received New Burdens funding to support these new responsibilities, with plans to use this for enhanced communication, recruitment, and IT system updates. Future financial sustainability is expected to be supported by income from civil penalty notices and a forthcoming landlord database.

Members sought clarification on the council's readiness, with officers explaining that while policies, delegations, and trained staff were in place, further progress would be demonstrated through the development of a track record of enforcement activity. Lewisham's preparedness was noted as being strong compared to other local authorities, particularly due to its experience in enforcement against illegal evictions and harassment, and the integrated nature of its housing services.

The committee discussed the challenges of identifying breaches such as rental bidding, with officers indicating that initial reliance would be on tenant reporting, supplemented by proactive and intelligence-led approaches as data becomes available. The council's ability to respond quickly to ongoing breaches was also discussed, with early intervention by housing needs services and direct engagement with landlords being key strategies.

Regarding Awaab's Law and other housing standards, officers clarified that while Awaab's Law would be implemented in a later phase, existing powers under the Housing Act 2004 already allowed action on hazards like damp and mould. The committee also explored the potential for the Act to reduce homelessness presentations and the associated strain on the council's budget.

Communication efforts have been directed at both residents and landlords through various channels, including council publications, community events, and digital advertising. The council plans to continue these communications, highlighting enforcement outcomes to demonstrate its commitment to the Act. The effectiveness of these communications will be monitored through service demand, website engagement, and stakeholder feedback.

The committee also received an overview of the process for issuing civil penalty notices, confirming that the council has the capacity to manage increased enforcement activity. Future performance data will be reported to central government, with potential for updates to be provided to the committee.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee agreed to the draft work programme for 2026-27. This programme outlines the committee's priorities for the year, including performance monitoring of the Renters' Rights Act, Awaab's Law, learning from complaints, and asset management. The programme also includes pre-decision scrutiny of budget proposals and policy development on topics such as landlord performance and the private rented sector.

Members also suggested additional items for the committee's future consideration, including scrutiny of arrears collection and possession proceedings, leaseholder experience, and engagement with tenants' and residents' associations. Two items were specifically highlighted for the watching brief: the Brockley PFI and the Housing Allocation Policy.

Other Business

The committee confirmed that the start time for future meetings would remain at 7:00 pm. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Pauline Dall, and no declarations of interest were made. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 March 2026 were confirmed and signed.