There has been a significant increase in Right to Rent fines in the UK, with penalties topping £4.2m since late last year, compared with just £596,400 in the preceding period, according to the latest Home Office figures. 

The data reveals a significant escalation in enforcement activity since the Labour government came into power. The number of civil penalties issued has also increased, rising from 235 in the preceding year to more than 375 since late 2024.

The trend points to growing scrutiny of landlords and letting agents over their legal duty to verify tenants’ immigration status.

The Right to Rent scheme, introduced to prevent individuals without lawful immigration status from accessing private rented housing, requires landlords and agents to carry out eligibility checks before a tenancy is granted. Failure to comply can result in substantial civil fines and, in more serious cases, criminal prosecution.

Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas Technologies, commented: “The latest data shows that enforcement is not just tightening – it’s accelerating. Right to Rent compliance has long been a legal requirement, but these figures show the financial consequences of getting it wrong are now far greater.

“Many landlords and agents still rely on outdated manual checks, which are vulnerable to error and oversight. It’s crucial the sector embraces secure digital verification processes to protect themselves and ensure compliance.” 

As fines continue to rise, Credas warns that compliance should be seen as a core business risk rather than an administrative burden, urging landlords and letting agents to ensure their verification processes are both robust and up to date.

“The direction of travel is clear,” Barnett added. “Enforcement is becoming more data-driven, more consistent, and more costly for those who fail to keep pace. Digital verification tools can make compliance faster, more secure, and less risky for everyone involved.”