Since December 2024, local authorities have been granted significant new enforcement powers, directly impacting landlords in areas like Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe. These changes represent a major shift in compliance responsibility. The new powers include unannounced document requests, increased financial penalties reaching £30,000 per breach, and the ability to ban landlords from letting properties and force rent repayment for serious non-compliance. Proactive compliance is no