The government has announced more than £18.2 million in new burdens funding for local authorities in England for 2025/26, with more expected for 2026/27. This investment is timely. On 27 December 2025, councils gained new enforcement measures and investigatory powers under the Renters’ Rights Act, with additional responsibilities to follow from 1 May 2026.
Historically prosecution of rogue landlords has been slow. The Guardian newspaper recently reported that two-thirds of councils in England have not prosecuted a single landlord in the past three years, despite receiving roughly 300,000 complaints from tenants living in unsafe or unfit homes. This shortfall is largely driven by cuts to housing enforcement teams. This new funding aims to change this.
Below, we outline how the new burdens model works and how it can help councils take efficient, effective enforcement action.
What is the new burdens funding?
New burdens funding has been provided to councils for the current financial year to support implementation of the enforcement duties under the new legislation. The funding will ensure that councils can manage the increased workload associated with investigating landlord compliance.
The amount of funding received by each local authority will vary based on factors such as population size, housing stock, enforcement workload and levels of private renting.
It is anticipated that new burdens will be provided again in 2026/27.
How can councils use the new burdens funding?
Councils have flexibility in how they allocate new burdens funding. It can be used to:
- Expand and train enforcement teams
Recruit additional officers, invest in professional training and build specialist capability.
- Implement new enforcement duties
Develop policies, set up reporting mechanisms, design workflows and improve data management processes.
- Investigate landlord noncompliance
Conduct inspections, gather evidence and carry out follow-up activity efficiently.
- Manage the new Private Rented Sector database
Resource database administration and support the required system integration work.
- Educate landlords and tenants
Deliver awareness campaigns, produce guidance materials and create accessible online resources.
What training do housing enforcement teams need?
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a significant range of new duties for local authorities-including expanded enforcement powers, database management responsibilities, new tenancy regimes and dispute-handling processes.
Key training needs include:
- Conducting inspections under the new legislative framework.
- Understanding evidential standards and requirements.
- Applying financial penalties and sanctions lawfully.
- Coordinating effectively with environmental health and housing standards teams.
How can Bond Solon help
Bond Solon has seen a surge in enquiries from councils planning to use new burdens funding to strengthen their investigative and enforcement capability. Many are enrolling their officers on our Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice (APCIP) and our Rogue Landlord Enforcement course.
Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice (APCIP)
APCIP is the leading qualification for professionals involved in investigative work. It is awarded by the International Compliance Association (ICA) in association with the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) — one of the UK’s most respected postgraduate institutions.
The qualification consists of eight days of training split into four two-day modules. Learners can select the modules most relevant to their investigative role.
Rogue Landlord Enforcement Course
This two-day course is designed for both experienced housing officers and new team members. It covers:
- Core legislation including the Housing Act 2004, Housing and Planning Act 2016, and the new Renters’ Rights Act.
- Enforcement tools such as civil penalties, rent repayment orders, and landlord banning orders.
If you would like to discuss either the APCIP qualification or the rogue landlord enforcement course with a member of our team, please call us on:+44 (0)20 7549 2549 or email info@bondsolon.com.