Landlords who don’t fix dangerous problems could face £7,000 fine

New measures to protect private renters from unsafe conditions have come into force.

About one in ten private rented homes are estimated to have at least one serious health and safety problem, such as:

• freezing conditions
• faulty electrics
• fire hazards
• structural issues
• unsafe layouts

But under new rules, councils will be able to fine landlords who refuse to fix them up to £7,000.

At the same time, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System is being updated for the first time in 20 years, so it’s easier for dangerous risks to be identified and addressed.

“Renters deserve a safe, secure place to call home,” said housing secretary Steve Reed.

“Our landmark Renters’ Rights Act gives councils more options to take speedy action against rogue landlords.”

Renters’ groups welcome announcement

Organisations that represent private tenants have backed the announcement, with Generation Rent saying it’s an “essential step” towards raising the quality of rented homes.

“Homes are the foundations of our lives,” said Ben Twomey.

“No renter should have to live alongside mould, dampness and other risks to our health.”

However, he stressed that renters will only feel the benefit if councils “seek out and take action against those landlords who ignore unsafe conditions and profit from misery”.

The Renters’ Reform Coalition added that hundreds of thousands of renters have been living in substandard homes “for far too long”.

Director Clara Collingwood said: “It’s great that authorities have new powers to tackle this, and they must start using them immediately to crack down on landlords who profit from unhealthy homes.

“And now that we have new rights as renters, we need to use them.”

What can I do if my home is unsafe?

If you have a grievance with your landlord, you should raise any concerns with them first before taking formal action.

If you do need to escalate a grievance, you can get details on the best way to deal with the issue at GOV.UK.

And if you think your landlord might be breaking the law, get in touch with your local council.