Since 27 December 2025, local authorities in England have had enhanced investigatory powers under the Renters' Rights Act. 

These new powers are designed to strengthen enforcement of housing standards, tackle rogue landlords and agents, and ensure compliance with rental sector legislation. 

Landlords and letting agents should be prepared for increased scrutiny, ensure all required documentation is up to date, and maintain full compliance with property, tenancy and licensing requirements. 

What Powers Do Local Authorities Have?

Under the new provisions, local authorities can:

• Request information from any person or organisation (including landlords, agents, tenancy deposit schemes, and councils) to investigate potential housing law breaches. 
• Enter business premises to inspect and seize documents, usually after giving at least 24 hours’ written notice (notice is not needed where it would defeat the purpose of the visit or is not reasonably practicable). 
• Enter rented homes, usually after giving the occupiers at least 24 hours’ notice, for example to check for unsafe living conditions or unlawful eviction. The landlord need not be told beforehand but must be told afterwards. Entry to check for an unlicensed HMO needs no notice at all. 
• Apply to the court for a warrant if entry or document access is refused. 

Who Must Provide Information?

Those classed as “relevant persons” under Section 114(2) of the Act, these include:

• Anyone with an estate or interest in the property within the past 12 months.
• Anyone who has acted on behalf of such person (for instance, a letting agent).
• A licensor of the property.

If the local authority requests information, you must provide it within the timeframe specified in the notice. 

Failure to comply

Failure to comply with a request from the local authority may result in the following:

• A court order requiring you to comply with an information notice, and to pay the council’s costs of applying for it
• Prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 for obstructing an officer, or for failing without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement made by an officer under these powers
• Prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 for knowingly or recklessly giving false or misleading information, and possible prosecution under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 for a knowingly false statement. 

Practical Steps for Landlords and Agents

To avoid enforcement action and penalties, landlords and agents should:

• Maintain accurate and complete tenancy records, deposit protection, and HMO licences. 
• Respond promptly to any information requests from the local authority. 
• Conduct regular compliance checks to ensure properties meet the housing law standards. 

Property contains an extensive range of documents, templates and checklists to assist landlords with managing their residential tenancies.