Why Landlords Get Fined
Most landlords don't get fined because they're careless — they get fined because they didn't know they were in breach, or thought enforcement wouldn't find them. Local housing authorities significantly increased enforcement in 2025 and 2026. Here is every fine you could face.
Gas Safety Certificate — Unlimited Fine + Up to 6 Months Imprisonment
Offence: No annual Gas Safety inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Penalties: Unlimited fine + up to 6 months imprisonment. Section 21 notice also becomes invalid.
One of the most criminally serious compliance failures a residential landlord can make.
EICR (Electrical Safety) — Up to £30,000 Per Property
Offence: No valid EICR every 5 years, or failure to carry out required C1/C2 remedial work.
Maximum civil penalty: £30,000 per property. Section 21 becomes invalid. Local authority can arrange work and recover costs from you.
EPC Below Minimum Standard — Up to £30,000
Offence: Letting a property rated F or G (or below C once new MEES regulations apply).
Penalties: £5,000–£30,000 depending on severity and duration of breach.
Deposit Protection — Up to 3× the Deposit
Offence: No protection within 30 days, or no Prescribed Information served.
Court-ordered penalty: 1× to 3× the deposit. On a £1,500 deposit: up to £4,500. Section 21 becomes permanently invalid for that tenancy period.
Right to Rent — Up to £20,000 Per Tenant
Civil penalties: £1,000 per occupant (first breach) → up to £20,000 per occupant (repeat breach from 2025).
Criminal penalty for knowingly renting to someone without right to rent: unlimited fine + up to 5 years imprisonment.
Unlicensed HMO — Unlimited Fine + Rent Repayment Order
Penalties: Unlimited fine (criminal offence). Tenants can apply for a Rent Repayment Order covering up to 12 months' rent. Banning orders for repeat offenders.
A 5-bed HMO at £700/room = up to £42,000 rent repayment exposure alone.
Your Total Exposure: 5-Property Portfolio
| Breach | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| EICR (×5 properties) | £150,000 |
| Gas Safety (×5) | Unlimited |
| Deposit protection (×5, 3× deposits) | £22,500 |
| Right to Rent (×5 tenants) | £100,000 |
| EPC (×5) | £50,000 |
Total potential exposure: £322,500+
LetCompliance tracks every requirement, sends reminders before anything expires, and gives you a live compliance score per property.