Letting agent fined for breaching Renters’ Rights Act

A letting agent has been fined more than £8,600 for breaching the Renters’ Rights Act. The agent issued a prohibited fixed-term tenancy and told tenants to leave after they raised concerns about their property.

Chesterfield Borough Council imposed two financial penalties following an investigation into the agent’s conduct. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026.

The penalties totalled £8,652. However, the agent paid a reduced amount of £7,354.20 after settling within the specified timeframe.

The case began when tenants complained to the council about the condition of their rented home shortly after moving in.

Investigators discovered that the agent had issued a six-month fixed-term tenancy agreement. The new legislation prohibits fixed-term assured tenancies.

The council imposed a second penalty after finding that the agent had told the tenants to leave when they indicated they intended to complain.

The tenants subsequently moved into alternative accommodation owned by a different landlord, whose identity was unknown.

The council also served an improvement notice requiring the original property to meet the necessary housing standards.

Council warns agents over compliance

The local authority has not named the letting agency involved.

Cllr Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said the authority had engaged with local landlords and agents before the legislation took effect.

Innes commented: “We are committed to putting our communities first and making sure renters have the protection they need.

“That’s why before the new legislation came into force, our private sector housing team engaged with landlords and letting agents across the borough to make sure they understood the changes and what was expected of them.

“This case demonstrates that we will take action where landlords and agents fail to comply with their duties.

“We also hope it serves as a reminder to letting agents across Chesterfield to ensure they fully understand the recent changes to the law and their responsibilities.”