See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy DAILY MAIL REPORTER Published: 00:01 BST, 22 June 2026 | Updated: 00:01 BST, 22 June 2026
Landlords who fail to fix dangerous problems such as damp and mould now face fines of up to £7,000.From today, councils across England will gain the power to issue hefty penalties for serious hazards in private renters' homes. These will also include freezing temperatures, structural issues, fire hazards and faulty electrics.Housing Secretary Steve Reed is urging councils to use the powers which are provided under the Renters' Rights Act. The new penalties sit alongside existing council powers, including forcing repairs, carrying out emergency works and recovering costs from landlords who do not act.Mr Reed said: '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.'These include the new power to issue a £7,000 penalty to a landlord when there is a hazard like severe damp or mould in a privately rented home.'Alongside the new fines, the Government is updating the Housing Health and Safety Rating System in England with the aim of making it easier for councils to spot risks and act quickly to protect tenants.Other updates provided by the Act, introduced last month, include the scrapping of no-fault evictions and a limit on yearly rent rises.Ben Twomey, of housing campaigners Generation Rent, said: 'The council being given the power to fine landlords up to £7,000 if they ignore repairs is an essential step towards raising the quality of rented homes.'Clara Collingwood, of Renters' Reform Coalition, said: 'Now that we have new rights as renters, we need to use them.' Housing Secretary Steve Reed is urging councils to use the powers which are provided under the Renters' Rights Act
