Housing enforcement

Bedford Borough Council has statutory responsibility for enforcing the minimum housing standards set out in the Housing Act 2004 (and the associated regulations).

The aim is to ensure all housing, but particularly rented housing is safe, does not give rise to injury or illness to the occupiers.

Charges for non-compliance 2023

Housing Enforcement Notice = £379.65

Failure to provide smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector in rented properties:

  • £2,500 for first breach
  • £5,000 for subsequent breaches

Housing Act Civil penalties = up to £30,000 per offence