The civil penalty regime for private landlords in England has expanded significantly. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (commencing 1 May 2026) adds new offence categories with penalties up to £40,000 for a single breach. Civil penalties are imposed administratively by local housing authorities.
RRA 2025 new offences
From 1 May 2026: rent increase outside Section 13 (up to £40,000 repeat), advertising bidding wars (up to £40,000 repeat), blanket DSS refusal (up to £40,000 repeat), and failure to register with the Private Landlord Database (up to £5,000).
RRA 2025 civil penalties
- Breach of Section 13 rent increase process: up to £7,000 (first), £40,000 (repeat)
- Advertising to invite bidding wars: up to £7,000 (first), £40,000 (repeat)
- Blanket refusal of DSS tenants or families with children: up to £7,000 (first), £40,000 (repeat)
- Failure to register with Private Landlord Database (when operational): up to £5,000
HMO and selective licensing penalties
- Operating without a mandatory HMO licence: up to £30,000
- Operating without an additional or selective licence: up to £30,000
- Rent repayment orders can recover up to 12 months' rent in addition to any civil penalty
- Banning Orders can be sought for repeat offenders
Tenant Fees Act and Right to Rent penalties
- Charging a prohibited payment (first breach): up to £5,000. Repeat within 5 years: up to £30,000
- Right to Rent failure: up to £20,000 per occupant (landlord did not know), up to £80,000 per occupant for repeat offences
- EPC below Band E: up to £5,000 (breach under 3 months), up to £10,000 (breach 3 months or more)
The enforcement process
- Local authority serves Notice of Intent specifying the proposed penalty
- Landlord has 28 days to make written representations
- Local authority issues Final Notice after considering representations
- Landlord has 28 days to appeal to First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
- Unpaid final penalties become debts enforceable in the county court