Government increases fines on landlords from today
Summary
The article reports that councils in England can now issue fines of up to £7,000 to landlords who fail to address serious housing hazards, including damp, mould, faulty electrics, fire risks and structural issues. It also says the final Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) framework comes into force on 23 June, with the government aiming to support faster enforcement against unsafe rented homes.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may see increased demand for hazard identification, condition reporting and evidence that supports enforcement or remedial action. The updated HHSRS framework is directly relevant to assessing risk in housing and understanding how local authorities may approach enforcement.
Key points
- Councils can impose fines of up to £7,000 for serious hazards in private rented homes.
- The penalties cover 21 serious hazard types, including freezing conditions, faulty electrics, fire hazards and structural issues.
- The government says the final HHSRS framework will come into force on 23 June.
- Existing council powers include forcing repairs, carrying out emergency works and recovering costs.
- The article says around 10% of private rented homes may have at least one serious health and safety problem.
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