Renters' Rights Act fines for landlords

What is the maximum penalty?

The table separates the ceiling in the Renters' Rights Act 2025, section 15, from the starting point in statutory guidance. Neither determines the landlord's final penalty.

What is a breach and what is an offence?

A breach permits a civil penalty without prosecution. An offence permits either. Councils must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt; each local housing authority must enforce the rules in its area.

Which acts fall in the £7,000 tier?

Covered breaches include failing to provide written terms (section 16D) and attempting to let a property for a fixed term (section 16E(1)(a)). Trying to end a tenancy using a notice to quit or an invalid purported notice of possession is also covered (section 16E). Discrimination against prospective tenants receiving benefits or with children is covered under sections 33 and 34.

Written terms must precede agreement of a new tenancy. Existing written tenancies required The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by 31 May 2026. See tenancy agreement requirements.

Which acts fall in the £40,000 tier?

The possession example requires knowledge or recklessness and departure within four months without a court order. Continuing conduct beyond 28 days after a penalty or the appeal's end, and a further breach within five years of a penalty or conviction, are offences.

When did these penalties start?

For private assured tenancies, these penalties apply to breaches and offences committed on or after 1 May 2026. They do not apply to earlier conduct. Category 1 hazard penalties started on 22 June 2026.

Do PRS Database fines apply yet?

A landlord cannot be fined today for not being on the PRS Database. Section 91 contains ceilings of £7,000 for marketing or registration breaches and £40,000 for false-information or repeat offences, but those financial penalties are not in force. The sources reviewed establish no commencement date for section 92 offences.

How does the council choose the amount?

The council applies its penalty policy within the statutory ceiling. There is no statutory minimum penalty. The table gives two statutory guidance examples, not the complete schedule.

What are the time limits?

Notice of intent: within six months of sufficient evidence, or after continuing conduct stops. Representations: within 28 days beginning the day after notice. Final notice payment: within 28 days beginning the day after notice. These are civil penalty deadlines; no criminal prosecution deadline is stated here.

Can the landlord appeal?

Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 28 days beginning the day after the final notice. An appeal suspends the notice until decided, withdrawn or abandoned. The council can recover unpaid penalties through the county court.

When can rent be ordered back?

For qualifying offences committed from 1 May 2026, a rent repayment order covers up to two years' rent; applications must be within two years of the offence. No prior conviction or penalty is required. A breach alone does not establish eligibility.

What is the shortest banning order?

Twelve months. The First-tier Tribunal makes the order; the council applies following conviction for a banning order offence.

What is the penalty for a category 1 hazard?

Up to £7,000 where removal was reasonably practicable, in force from 22 June 2026. Type 1 requirements are not commenced. See inspections.

General information, not legal advice. Laws and dates change. Check the Act before you act.

Independent guide. Not a government service and not affiliated with the PRS Database operator.