Landlords who fail to address serious hazards in their rental properties can now face fines of up to £7,000, as new enforcement powers come into force across England today.
Local authorities will be able to issue financial penalties where landlords fail to tackle dangers including damp and mould, excess cold, fire risks, structural defects and unsafe electrical installations.
The measures, introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, are intended to strengthen councils’ ability to enforce housing standards in the private rented sector. Housing Secretary Steve Reed has called on local authorities to make full use of the new powers.
The penalties sit alongside existing enforcement measures, including requiring landlords to carry out repairs, undertaking emergency remedial works and recovering costs where landlords fail to act.
Reed said: “Renters deserve a safe, secure place to call home and our landmark Renters’ Rights Act gives councils more options to take speedy action against rogue landlords.
“These include the new power to issue a £7,000 penalty to a landlord when there is a hazard like severe damp or mould in a privately rented home.”
Tenants are being encouraged to report poor housing conditions, with ministers arguing that the abolition of Section 21 evictions under the Renters’ Rights Act will give renters greater confidence to raise concerns without fear of retaliatory eviction.
Alongside the new financial penalties, the government is also updating the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) in England. The reforms are designed to help councils identify hazards more effectively and take faster enforcement action where tenants are living in unsafe conditions.
Ben Twomey, of housing campaigners Generation Rent, said: “The council being given the power to fine landlords up to £7,000 if they ignore repairs is an essential step towards raising the quality of rented homes.”
Clara Collingwood, of Renters’ Reform Coalition, added: “Now that we have new rights as renters, we need to use them.”
Landlord fines to hit £7,000 – but will councils collect them?
