Landlords whose rented homes fall below the required council’s standards will face massively hiked fines.

Bath & North East Somerset council has announced its new charge for issuing an Improvement Notice by hiking the fee by a massive 60 per cent from £250 to £400.

The fine/fee is charged for an Improvement Notice is issued by the Housing Service team when targeting dangerous health and safety hazards in private rented accommodation. This will include such issues in properties such as unavailable or faulty fire hazards, severe damp and mould and inadequate heating and insulation.

Cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development Councillor Matt McCabe, says: “The majority of landlords run their properties responsibly, but the standard of rented homes across B&NES is inconsistent. Our Housing Services Team work hard to ensure that landlords act responsibly and renters have a safe and secure home.

“We follow government guidance on setting the fees at a level that ensures the council recovers reasonable costs including the cost of taking enforcement action if necessary and for any staff time and expenses incurred.”