From today, councils can issue fines of up to £7,000 if landlords are found to have serious dangers in rental properties
The fine will apply to 21 types of hazards in rental properties that are found to be serious – the most dangerous level.
These include freezing conditions, faulty electrical systems, fire hazards, structural issues, and unsafe layouts. Around 10% of private rented homes are estimated to have at least one serious health and safety problem.
Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, commented: “The council being given the power to fine landlords up to £7,000 if they ignore repairs is an essential step towards raising the quality of rented homes.”
Councils must use their powers to tackle serious hazards in rental properties
The crackdown comes as private renters face increasing hazards in their properties, including severe damp and mould.
The new penalty sits alongside existing powers councils can use to tackle unsafe homes that put tenants at risk. These include forcing repairs, carrying out emergency works and recovering costs from landlords who fail to act.
Today, the housing secretary, Steve Reed, has written to mayors across England, urging councils to use all the powers at their disposal to tackle unsafe housing and protect tenants.
He said: “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.
“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 – a situation that no family should have to live with.”
New health and safety system simplifies risk identification
Alongside the new fines, this government is updating the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) for the first time in 20 years.
This important system is used to assess health and safety in all types of housing, making it simpler to identify dangerous risks and take action.
The improved final framework comes into force on Tuesday 23 June and will support quicker enforcement, helping to ensure hazards such as damp, fire risks and unsafe electrics are addressed more effectively.
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