Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.

Propertymark Challenges Bath Council's Proposed Housing Enforcement Penalty Increases

Propertymark has responded to a consultation by Bath and North East Somerset Council on a tougher housing services enforcement and financial penalty policy, warning that the council's approach must be proportionate and evidence-based.

What the council is proposing

Bath and North East Somerset Council has opened a consultation on a revised housing services enforcement and financial penalty policy. Under the proposals, housing fines could increase by up to 50% where the council identifies aggravating factors in a case.

Propertymark's response

Propertymark, the industry body representing letting and estate agents, has formally responded to the consultation, warning that the council's approach to housing enforcement must be proportionate and evidence-based.

Why this matters for agents

Letting agents and inventory clerks operating in the Bath and North East Somerset area should be aware that the council is consulting on a policy that could see financial penalties rise significantly where aggravating factors are identified. Agents with portfolios in the area may wish to review the consultation and consider how the proposed changes to enforcement and penalty levels could affect the landlords and properties they manage.

The full details of Propertymark's response and the council's proposed policy are set out in the original Property118 report.