Renters’ Rights Act forces Midlands council to spend more tackling rogue landlords

City of Wolverhampton Council is spending an extra £714,000 to tackle rogue landlords and protect residents living in private rentals due to the Renters’ Rights Act, it has been revealed.

The extra funding will be required to help the Council to protect residents in line with the Renters’ Rights Act, which is being introduced on 1st May, 2026, according to Councillor Steve Evans (pictured), who is Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing.

He says: “We recognise there are many excellent landlords in Wolverhampton who provide a very valuable housing offer.

“However, we will not tolerate rogue landlords taking advantage of tenants, and we will use powers to investigate and take action, which can include using court injunctions and prosecution.”

“There are ever-growing demands in this sector, which is why we have taken steps to provide extra funding that will enable the team to protect residents in line with the Renters’ Right Act.”

There are ever-growing demands in this sector, which is why we have taken steps to provide extra funding.”

Investigatory powers

The Act will require the council to take a proactive role in regulating the private rented sector, including investigating breaches, issuing civil penalties, and reporting on enforcement activity.

It also expands the council’s investigatory powers, enabling authorised officers to obtain information from landlords, agents, banks, and other organisations, and to enter premises where offences are suspected.

The council explained that demand on its private sector housing service had already increased significantly in recent years, with work on high-rise building safety, damp and mould cases, a Supported Housing Improvement Programme and illegal eviction interventions pushing service requests to three times the level seen five years ago.

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Author: Gemma