Croydon Council is taking further action to improve standards in the private rented sector after Cabinet approved a new housing private rented sector enforcement policy.

Around a third of homes in Croydon are privately rented, making the sector an important part of meeting local housing need. The new policy brings together the Council’s housing enforcement policies into one clear approach. It sets out how the Council will respond when landlords do not meet their legal responsibilities. It provides a clear and consistent approach to deciding when enforcement action is needed, helping make sure decisions are fair, proportionate and transparent.

The policy forms part of the Council’s wider approach to improving standards in the private rented sector, alongside its new five-year private rented sector licensing schemes, which will come into effect on 25 September 2026. These include selective licensing, which applies to privately rented homes in 14 wards, and additional licensing, which covers smaller houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) across the borough. Together, the policy and the licensing schemes will help improve housing standards, support responsible landlords and protect tenants. It also supports action to tackle abandoned and empty privately owned homes across the borough.

Where landlords do not meet their legal responsibilities, the Council has a range of enforcement powers it can use. Depending on the circumstances, this could include offering advice, issuing legal notices, financial penalties or taking legal action.

“We will continue to drive up standards across the private rented sector. Whilst most landlords in Croydon provide good quality homes for their tenants, we know there are some who ignore their responsibilities and fail to provide the standard of housing that residents deserve.

“This policy gives us a stronger and more consistent approach to taking action where landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities. We will not hesitate to use our enforcement powers where poor housing standards put tenants at risk, whilst backing the responsible landlords who are doing the right thing.

“Alongside our private rented sector licensing schemes, this policy sends a clear message that poor housing standards have no place in Croydon.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon