The move comes in preparation for the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act from May 1, which aims to improve tenant protections and housing standards.

The Act will introduce significant new duties for the council that will require taking a proactive role in regulating the private rented sector, including a duty to enforce landlord legislation, investigate breaches, issue civil penalties, and report on enforcement activity.

The Act also expands the council’s investigatory powers, enabling authorised officers to obtain information from landlords, agents, banks, and other organisations, and to enter premises where offences are suspected.

Demand has been building on the private sector housing service over the past five years due to essential work on high rise building safety, damp and mould activity, the introduction of a Supported Housing Improvement Programme, an increase in illegal eviction interventions, and an increase in the seriousness, complexity and numbers of all types of service requests that have tripled over the last five years.

The extra funding will enable the council to meet existing and new responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Councillor Steve Evans, the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, said: “We recognise there are many excellent landlords in Wolverhampton who provide a very valuable housing offer. However, we will not tolerate rogue landlords taking advantage of tenants and we will use powers to investigate and take action, which can include using court injunctions and prosecution.

“There are ever-growing demands in this sector, which is why we have taken steps to provide extra funding that will enable the team to protect residents in line with the Renters’ Right Act.

“This is part of a wider package of housing measures aimed at improving living standards across Wolverhampton for all residents.”

Council leaders have said the budget for 2026/27 will “invest in what matters most to residents” as well as delivering essential public services.  

Cllr Evans added: “Thanks to our track record of managing our money well, combined with a positive financial settlement from Government, we’ve been able to provide the necessary support for this work in the private rented sector and invest in other priority areas for our residents.”