Last Updated: 23 July 2026 I Reading Time: Approx. 6 minutes
Summary
Private landlords in England who fail to deal with serious hazards in rented homes can now face civil penalties of up to £7,000. Introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, these new enforcement powers came into effect on 22 June 2026 and give local councils greater authority to tackle unsafe housing conditions.
While these fines are designed to improve standards in the private rented sector, they do not replace a tenant’s right to pursue a housing disrepair claim where they have suffered because necessary repairs were ignored. Understanding the difference between council enforcement and compensation claims is important for both tenants and landlords.
Quick Answer
Yes. Since 22 June 2026, local councils in England have been able to issue civil penalties of up to £7,000 where private landlords fail to address serious hazards in rented homes under the Renters’ Rights Act. These fines are separate from housing disrepair claims, meaning tenants may still be entitled to seek repairs and compensation if their landlord has failed to meet their legal responsibilities.
In this article
- What are the new £7,000 landlord fines?
- What counts as a serious housing hazard?
- Can tenants still make a housing disrepair claim?
- What should landlords do if repairs are reported?
- How council fines differ from compensation claims
- Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
- Local councils can issue fines of up to £7,000 for serious housing hazards.
- The new enforcement powers came into effect on 22 June 2026.
- Hazards include damp and mould, fire risks, electrical dangers, excess cold and structural defects.
- Landlords remain legally responsible for carrying out repairs within a reasonable time.
- A council fine does not automatically compensate tenants.
- Tenants may still be able to bring a housing disrepair claim.
- Seeking legal advice early can help both tenants and landlords understand their rights and obligations.
What are the new £7,000 fines for landlords?
The Government has introduced stronger enforcement powers to help improve housing standards in England. From 22 June 2026, local authorities have been able to impose civil penalties of up to £7,000 on private landlords who fail to deal with serious hazards in their rental properties.
The aim is to encourage landlords to respond more quickly to safety concerns and ensure rented homes are safe, healthy and fit to live in.
These fines form part of the wider Renters’ Rights Act, which introduces additional protections for tenants while strengthening enforcement against landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities.
What counts as a serious housing hazard?
Local councils assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which considers whether a property poses a risk to a tenant’s health or safety.
Examples include:
- Damp and mould
- Excess cold
- Electrical hazards
- Fire risks
- Structural instability
- Unsafe layouts or trip hazards
Other hazards may also qualify depending on the condition of the property and the level of risk they present.
Not every repair issue will result in a financial penalty. Councils will consider the seriousness of the hazard and whether the landlord has taken appropriate action after being notified.
What should landlords do if repairs are reported?
When a tenant reports a repair issue, landlords should:
- Respond promptly.
- Arrange an inspection where necessary.
- Keep clear records of communications.
- Carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
- Keep tenants informed of any delays.
Ignoring repair requests or repeatedly delaying essential work may increase the risk of enforcement action by the local authority.
Good communication and timely repairs often prevent problems from escalating.
Can tenants still make a Housing Disrepair claim?
Yes.
The new £7,000 fines do not replace a tenant’s legal right to bring a housing disrepair claim.
If a landlord fails to carry out repairs after being notified and the tenant suffers inconvenience, damage to belongings or health issues as a result, they may still be entitled to seek:
- Repairs to the property
- Compensation for inconvenience
- Compensation for damage to personal possessions
- Compensation where poor housing conditions have affected their health
Every case depends on its individual circumstances, and legal advice can help determine whether a claim may be appropriate.
Council enforcement vs Housing Disrepair claims
Many tenants assume that if a landlord receives a fine, they will automatically receive compensation.
That is not the case.
| Council Enforcement | Housing Disrepair Claim |
|---|
| Brought by the local authority | Brought by the tenant |
| Aims to enforce housing standards | Aims to obtain repairs and compensation |
| Fine is paid to the council | Compensation is paid to the tenant (where appropriate) |
| Focuses on public enforcement | Focuses on the tenant’s individual losses |
It is possible for both processes to exist at the same time.
For example, a council may investigate unsafe housing conditions while a tenant separately pursues a legal claim for compensation arising from those same issues.
Why this matters for tenants
Many tenants continue living with poor housing conditions because they are unsure of their rights.
If your landlord has failed to repair serious issues after being notified, it is important to understand that you may have legal options available. Keeping photographs, copies of correspondence and records of when problems were reported can help support your case.
Seeking advice early may also encourage repairs to be carried out more quickly.
Why this matters for landlords
The new enforcement powers highlight the importance of maintaining rental properties and responding promptly to repair requests.
Taking reasonable steps to investigate reported problems, arranging repairs without unnecessary delay and maintaining accurate records can help landlords comply with their legal obligations and reduce the risk of enforcement action.
How GLP Solicitors can help
GLP Solicitors advises tenants on housing disrepair claims where landlords have failed to carry out necessary repairs.
Our team can assess whether you may have a claim, explain your legal rights and help you pursue repairs and, where appropriate, compensation. We provide practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances and keep you informed throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since 22 June 2026, local councils in England have had the power to issue civil penalties of up to £7,000 where private landlords fail to deal with serious housing hazards under the Renters’ Rights Act. Whether a fine is issued will depend on the circumstances of each case and the local authority’s investigation.
No. Any civil penalty is paid to the local authority rather than the tenant. If you have suffered because repairs were not carried out, you may still need to pursue a separate housing disrepair claim to seek compensation.
You should report the issue to your landlord in writing, keep copies of your communications and take photographs where appropriate. If repairs are not carried out within a reasonable time, you may wish to seek legal advice or contact your local council.
Examples include damp and mould, electrical dangers, fire risks, structural defects, unsafe stairs, excess cold and other conditions that could affect your health or safety. Councils assess each property individually.
Yes. Council enforcement and housing disrepair claims are separate legal processes. A council investigation does not prevent a tenant from pursuing compensation where appropriate.
The new £7,000 civil penalties introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act apply to private rented housing. Different legal duties and enforcement powers may apply to social landlords.