Councils across England have been granted new powers to issue fines of up to £7,000 to landlords who fail to rectify dangerous conditions in private rental properties. The new penalties, effective from today, target issues such as severe damp and mould, freezing temperatures, structural problems, fire hazards, and faulty electrical systems. Housing Secretary Steve Reed is encouraging local authorities to utilize these enforcement tools, which are part of the broader Renters' Rights Act.
These financial penalties supplement existing council powers, which include compelling landlords to undertake repairs, performing necessary emergency work, and recovering associated costs from non-compliant property owners. The Renters' Rights Act, introduced last month, aims to provide renters with enhanced security and improved living conditions.
"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," Reed stated. "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."
In addition to the new fines, the Act has also abolished 'no-fault' evictions, a significant change that previously allowed landlords to ask tenants to leave without providing a specific reason, as long as adequate notice was given. Under the new legislation, renters can only be evicted for specific, legally recognized grounds, providing greater security of tenure.
The government is also updating the Housing Health and Safety Rating System in England to enable councils to more efficiently identify and address risks within rental properties. Further provisions of the Act include a cap on annual rent increases. Housing campaigners have welcomed the changes, with Ben Twomey of Generation Rent calling the £7,000 fine power an "essential step towards raising the quality of rented homes." Clara Collingwood of the Renters' Reform Coalition encouraged renters to "use" their new rights.
The Renters' Rights Act, which came into effect in England on May 1, 2026, is described as the most significant increase in renters' rights in a generation. It replaces fixed-term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies with rolling periodic tenancies, freeing renters from long-term contract constraints. Some aspects of the law have also been extended to Scotland and Wales. Tenants now possess the right to end tenancies with two months' notice and can more confidently challenge poor living conditions and excessive rent increases without the threat of retaliatory eviction. For landlords and tenants seeking further information, a guide detailing the Act's implications is available.