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 2025
The Housing Act 2004 gives local authorities the power to make a reasonable charge to recover administrative and other expenses incurred by them when taking enforcement action under the Act.
For Housing enforcement notices the following charges will apply for each notice issued. The cost published below represents the cost of administrative expenses, eg inspection, HHSRS assessment, notice drafting and service. Any other expenses incurred will be charged for on a cost recovery basis, eg support provided by third parties such as an electrician or gas engineer.
Housing Enforcement Notice = £419.10
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.