Complete Fine Schedule — Renters' Rights Act 2026
Below is the full schedule of civil penalties enforceable by local councils under the Renters' Rights Act 2026 and related legislation. All fines shown are maximum amounts per breach per property. Actual fines are set at the council's discretion.
| Breach | Maximum Fine | Legislation |
|---|---|---|
| Serving/enforcing void Section 21 notice | £40,000 | Renters' Rights Act 2026 |
| Unlicensed HMO operation | £30,000 | Housing Act 2004 |
| No valid EICR (Electrical Safety) | £30,000 | Electrical Safety Standards 2020 |
| Failing to issue Information Sheet | £7,000 | Renters' Rights Act 2026 |
| Deposit not protected in approved scheme | 3× deposit | Housing Act 2004 |
| Right to Rent checks not conducted | £7,500 per occupier | Immigration Act 2014 |
| No valid Gas Safety Certificate | £6,000 | Gas Safety Regulations 1998 |
| Smoke/CO alarms not installed or tested | £5,000 | Smoke & CO Alarm Regulations 2022 |
| No valid EPC or below Band E | £5,000 | Energy Efficiency Regs 2016 |
| Harassment or unlawful eviction | Unlimited | Protection from Eviction Act 1977 |
How Fines Are Calculated in Practice
Local councils have discretion over the fine amount, up to the statutory maximum. The main factors that affect the fine level are:
- First offence vs repeat offence — first-time offenders who cooperate and correct the issue promptly typically receive lower fines
- Deliberate vs accidental — a landlord who knew about the requirement and ignored it faces higher fines than one who was genuinely unaware
- Impact on tenants — breaches that caused actual harm or danger to tenants attract higher fines
- Landlord's financial position — councils may consider ability to pay, though large portfolio landlords are unlikely to receive any reduction on this basis
- Prompt remediation — fixing the issue before the final notice is issued can reduce the penalty
Many councils have published enforcement policies setting out how they apply these factors. Check your local council's website for their specific approach.
Cumulative Fine Exposure — Example Scenarios
Single property landlord — common non-compliance
| Issue | Fine |
|---|---|
| Information Sheet not issued | £7,000 |
| EICR overdue (over 5 years) | £30,000 |
| Deposit not re-protected after renewal | £21,000 (est. 3× £7,000 deposit) |
| Total maximum exposure | £58,000 |
HMO landlord — 5-bed property
| Issue | Fine |
|---|---|
| Operating without current HMO licence | £30,000 |
| Information Sheet not issued (×5 tenants) | £35,000 |
| No valid EICR | £30,000 |
| Smoke alarms not tested at tenancy start | £5,000 |
| Total maximum exposure | £100,000 |
Who Enforces These Fines?
The primary enforcement body is your local council's housing enforcement team (also called the local housing authority). They can:
- Issue civil penalty notices without going to court
- Carry out inspections using Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Apply for Rent Repayment Orders (forcing you to refund up to 12 months of rent)
- Add landlords to the Rogue Landlord Database (publicly searchable)
- Revoke HMO licences
Tenants can also make direct applications to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for Rent Repayment Orders in cases of unlicensed HMO operation or other specified breaches.
The Renters' Rights Act 2026 increased council enforcement budgets and created a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Register, making it easier for councils to identify and pursue non-compliant landlords.
Deposit Protection — Special Calculation
Deposit protection fines are not a fixed amount — they're a multiple of the deposit taken. The court can order the landlord to pay the tenant between 1 and 3 times the deposit amount as a penalty. With the average UK tenancy deposit at around £1,000–£2,000, and HMO deposits potentially higher:
- £1,200 deposit × 3 = £3,600 penalty
- £2,000 deposit × 3 = £6,000 penalty
- Plus: you must still return the original deposit — so the total cost is up to 4× the deposit
The penalty also applies if you protected the deposit but failed to serve the Prescribed Information within 30 days, or if the Prescribed Information contained errors.
How to Reduce Your Fine Exposure — Action Checklist
- ✅ Issue the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet to all tenants immediately
- ✅ Book an EICR if your current report is over 5 years old
- ✅ Book an annual Gas Safety inspection if your certificate is expired or due
- ✅ Verify all deposits are protected in DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS
- ✅ Confirm EPC is current and rated Band E or above
- ✅ Test smoke alarms on every storey and CO alarms in relevant rooms
- ✅ If you have an HMO — confirm your licence is current
- ✅ Do not serve any Section 21 notices
Use our interactive Penalty Calculator to tick the items that apply to you and see your total figure, or run the full Compliance Wizard for a personalised report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum fine under the Renters' Rights Act 2026?
The maximum fine for a single breach is £40,000 — for serving or enforcing a void Section 21 notice. A landlord with multiple non-compliant properties can face cumulative fines exceeding £100,000.
Who enforces fines under the Renters' Rights Act 2026?
Local councils (local housing authorities) issue civil penalty notices. Tenants can also apply to the First-tier Tribunal for rent repayment orders in certain cases.
How much is the fine for not issuing the Information Sheet?
Up to £7,000 per breach. In a portfolio of 10 properties, the maximum exposure for this single item is £70,000.
What is the fine for no EICR?
Up to £30,000 per property. The EICR must be no more than 5 years old and must be provided to tenants within 28 days of completion.
Can I reduce my fine if it's a first offence?
Yes. Councils have discretion over the fine amount. First-time offenders who cooperate and take prompt corrective action typically receive lower fines than the statutory maximum.