The Renters’ Rights Act has introduced many changes for both landlords and tenants. Landlords are required to abide by these new rules to ensure their rental processes remain legal and safe for tenants. We’re letting you know about new potential fines for rented home hazards.
The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on May 1st 2026, and more rules are being rolled out in increments to allow landlords to ensure they can adapt to them. The Act aims to provide better protection for private renters in England.
Changes have and will include the abolishment of no-fault evictions, changes to the rules on having pets in a rental home, rent increase caps and blanket rules for notice periods when leaving a rented property.
What are the new hazard rules?
The new hazards include those that may put a person’s health and safety at risk. They affect everyone, including children, older people and those with health conditions. The aim of the new rule is to tackle unsafe housing and encourage landlords to act faster when hazards are reported, therefore reducing further risks to tenants.
The 21 hazards include:
- Exposure to severe damp and mould
- Exposure to low temperatures/freezing conditions
- Excess heat
- Exposure to asbestos fibres or manufactured mineral fibres
- Indoor air pollutants
- The ingestion of lead
- Exposure to radiation
- A lack of adequate space for living and sleeping
- Difficulties in keeping the dwelling or HMO secure against unauthorised entry
- A lack of adequate lighting
- Exposure to noise
- Poor domestic hygiene
- An inadequate supply of water free from contamination, for drinking and other domestic purposes
- Falls on the level: Over items or due to surface levels
- Falling on stairs, steps or ramps where the change in level is 300 millimetres or more
- Falling between levels where the difference in levels is 300 millimetres or more
- Exposure to electricity/faulty electrics
- Exposure to fire and explosions/fire hazards
- Contact with flames, hot surfaces etc/fire risks
- Collisions, entrapment and ergonomics/unsafe layouts
- Structural issues, collapse and falling elements/serious disrepair
How much can a landlord be fined for private rented home hazards?
Local councils have the ability to fine landlords up to £7000 for failing to fix these hazards in a rented property. These are known as ‘poor conditions’ and tenants should not have to live with these.
Existing enforcement powers mean that councils remain able to force through repairs, carry out emergency repairs and recover the costs for doing so.
Councils typically rate these hazards against The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which has now been updated for the first time in 20 years. The new system is said to be clearer and make it easier for councils to spot and react to these housing risks in the private rented sector.
According to the UK Government, ‘around 1 in 10 privately rented homes contain serious hazards.’
This highlights the need for the system to be updated in line with common issues that make rented houses unsafe or uncomfortable to live in.
How can landlords encourage tenants to report issues?
When renting out a property, landlords rely on tenants to report issues so they can be rectified. Tenants should be given easy access to a method of reporting issues or damage to a rented home. Landlords should never ignore unsafe conditions as the council can very easily issue fines.
Property safety can be reinforced by regular inspections by your chosen property managers. A huge benefit of choosing a great property manager is that they can organise maintenance and repairs on your rented home, giving you peace of mind that tenants remain satisfied and comfortable.
These new £7K fines apply to all landlords who are required to fix dangerous problems in the home. Landlords who ignore unsafe conditions can face enforcement action. The rules are designed to protect tenants and reduce dangerous conditions. Tenants living in rented homes should have a secure place to live which is free from poor conditions and other risks.
“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.” – Housing Secretary, Steve Reed.
At Intus Lettings, we support landlords with a wide range of services, from property inspections to viewings and everything in between. We are a professional, nationwide team with a local touch. Contact us for more information on our landlord services.
