Councils fail to collect millions in fines for landlords
Summary
New data from the NRLA indicates that councils in England have increased property inspections under the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System, but are collecting only around a quarter of the fines issued to landlords for housing offences. The article also notes calls for greater transparency, including annual council reporting on private rented sector enforcement activity.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, this highlights ongoing enforcement activity in the private rented sector and the continued use of HHSRS-based inspections. It also signals a regulatory environment where compliance, enforcement transparency and landlord accountability remain under scrutiny.
Key points
- HHSRS inspections by councils in England rose from 85,326 to 91,620 across the periods cited.
- Almost £30 million in fines were issued to private landlords, but only about £7.5 million was collected.
- The Housing Select Committee has urged government action to hold councils to account on rogue landlord enforcement.
- The NRLA is calling for annual council reports on enforcement activity and related income.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
