Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Gov.UK Housing. Read the original article for full details.

Councils Gain Power to Fine Landlords £7,000 for Dangerous Rented Homes

From 22 June 2026, councils in England can issue fines of up to £7,000 to landlords who fail to fix serious hazards in their rented properties. The new penalty, introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, targets landlords who do not address dangerous conditions such as severe damp, mould, faulty electrics, fire hazards, and unsafe layouts.

The fines apply to 21 types of hazards classified as the most dangerous, including freezing conditions and structural issues. According to the government, around 10% of private rented homes are estimated to have at least one serious health and safety problem.

These new fines are in addition to existing enforcement powers available to councils. Councils can already force repairs, carry out emergency works, and recover costs from landlords who fail to act on unsafe housing conditions.

On 22 June, the Housing Secretary wrote to mayors across England, urging councils to use all available powers to tackle unsafe housing and protect tenants. The government states that the new penalty will help speed up repairs and improve conditions for private renters.

Alongside the introduction of the fines, the government is updating the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) for the first time in 20 years. The updated HHSRS framework, which comes into force on 23 June, is designed to make it simpler to identify dangerous risks and take enforcement action more quickly.

These changes are relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks, who should be aware of the new enforcement landscape and the updated HHSRS framework when managing or inspecting rental properties.