News from 22 June 2026
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The government announced a power for English councils to issue penalties of up to £7,000 when landlords fail to address serious hazards in private rented homes. The announcement gave 22 June 2026 as the start date.
What has changed?
The new penalty is linked to the Renters’ Rights Act and gives local authorities another route when poor conditions are not addressed. According to the government, the fine can be used for 21 types of hazard where the issue is assessed as serious, meaning the highest risk category under the housing health and safety framework.
The government also says the updated Housing Health and Safety Rating System, or HHSRS, comes into force on 23 June. That system is used to assess health and safety risks in housing. The stated aim is to make the framework simpler to use and support faster action on hazards such as damp, fire risks and unsafe electrics.
This does not mean every repair complaint will automatically lead to a £7,000 penalty. The announcement is focused on serious hazards and on landlords who fail to fix poor conditions. However, it does underline the need for landlords to take reported hazards seriously, respond promptly and keep clear records of what was found, what was done and when.
