Councils net power to fine landlords up to £7,000 over failure to fix severe problems

The power, contained in the Renters’ Rights Act, relates to 21 types of hazard that are found to be serious including freezing conditions, faulty electrics, fire hazards, structural issues and unsafe layouts.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that around 10% of private rented homes are estimated to have at least one of these health and safety problems classified as serious.

It added that the fining powers sit 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.”

The Government has updated the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) for the first time in 20 years.

This will come into force tomorrow (23 June) alongside final enforcement guidance.

Secretary of State Steve Reed has meanwhile written to mayors across England urging councils to use all powers at their disposal to tackle unsafe housing and protect tenants.

The Housing Secretary 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.”

Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, said: “Homes are the foundations of our lives, and no renter should have to live alongside mould, dampness and other risks to our health.

“The council being given the power to fine landlords up to £7000 if they ignore repairs is an essential step towards raising the quality of rented homes. For renters to feel the benefit, though, councils must seek out and take action against those landlords who ignore unsafe conditions and profit from misery.”

Harry Rodd