LANDLORDS face fixed penalties for poor tenant housing standards and potential fire risks.

Cheshire East Council’s housing enforcement policy will be strengthened to ensure that residents in rented accommodation are protected.

Private landlords, including social housing, face penalties of up to £30,000 following the Housing and Planning Act 2016, which came into force in April this year.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, CEC cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “We want to make sure as a council that landlords in the borough, and their tenants, are aware of the measures being taken.

“Poor housing can lead to health risks, especially from damp properties. And in some case it is children who can be placed at risk.

“We take our responsibilities for housing standards in all sectors very seriously.”

The new legislation means landlords can be ordered to make rent repayments if inspections reveal sub-standard housing conditions or failures in protection measures.

If the landlord fails to carry out corrective actions, then the civil penalties could then be used as an alternative to prosecution.

The fine can be as low as £1,000 but will be calculated on the degree of culpability and potential or actual harm.

For more information visit cheshireeast.gov.uk.