BTL landlord crackdown begins as tougher Renters’ Rights penalties bite

A council has fined a portfolio landlord for operating an HMO without the required licence as tougher Renters’ Rights Act landlord penalties begin to bite.

Bristol City Council imposed a £13,090 civil penalty after the landlord failed to apply for the required property licence.

The council said the landlord had previously managed other HMOs without the necessary licences.

According to the council, the landlord only applied for those licences after becoming aware of an investigation.

Officials considered that history of non-compliance when calculating the latest penalty.

The case marks the first action under Bristol City Council’s updated Civil Penalty Policy for private housing offences.

Previous breaches increase penalty

The council initially calculated a £17,000 penalty under its policy.

Officials then increased the amount because of the landlord’s previous non-compliance.

However, the council reduced the penalty after the landlord submitted a licence application within two weeks.

That resulted in a final penalty of £13,090.

The landlord charged rent below the Local Housing Allowance rate. Therefore, the council did not add a further charge for higher rent.

Had the rent exceeded the allowance rate, the council said it would have added another £1,309.

Tenants could reclaim two years’ rent

The council fine may not represent the end of the financial consequences.

Tenants who lived at the property while it lacked a licence may also be able to seek a Rent Repayment Order.

In relevant cases, tenants can seek repayment of up to two years’ rent.

The Renters’ Rights Act has increased the potential financial consequences for landlords who breach housing rules.

For relevant offences committed from 1 May 2026, councils can impose civil penalties of up to £40,000.

Bristol City Council said it can now consider penalties several times higher than those available under the previous regime.

Cllr Barry Parsons, chair of the homes and housing delivery committee at Bristol City Council, said: “Bristol renters deserve safe, well-managed homes, and responsible landlords deserve a fair and consistent system that tackles poor practice.

“The vast majority of landlords do the right thing and should not be concerned by higher penalties aimed at serious or repeated non-compliance.

“This policy gives us stronger tools to protect tenants where landlords fail to meet their legal duties, put people at risk, or unlawfully evict renters.”