{ "updated": "2026-10-15", "items": [ { "id": "b73d43dc08b4", "date": "2026-10-14", "addedAt": "2026-10-15", "headline": "Court rejects injunction for electrical inspection access", "summary": "Bromford Housing Association sought an injunction to force access for a five-yearly electrical inspection. The court found that under amended Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2025, landlords are not in breach if prevented entry by tenants despite reasonable efforts, leaving no legal basis for the claim.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "eicr", "gas", "repairs" ], "sourceName": "Find Case Law — possession", "sourceUrl": "https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewcc/2026/61", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "17634d7b8078", "date": "2026-10-13", "addedAt": "2026-10-14", "headline": "Landlord fined £2,400 for eight years of missing gas safety checks", "summary": "Adam Evans was sentenced at Wirral Magistrates' Court after failing to arrange annual gas safety checks for eight years at a rented property in Wirral occupied by a tenant and five children. He was fined £2,400 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs. He pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 36(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Wirral" ], "areas": [ "gas" ], "sourceName": "press.hse.gov.uk", "sourceUrl": "https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/10/12/landlord-sentenced-for-leaving-gas-boiler-unchecked-for-eight-years/", "sourceFigures": [ "£2,400", "£2,400", "£5,000" ] }, { "id": "6dd68aeea956", "date": "2026-10-12", "addedAt": "2026-10-13", "headline": "Landlord fined £2,400 for eight years without gas safety checks", "summary": "Adam Evans, landlord of property in Wirral, pleaded guilty to breaching gas safety regulations. He failed to arrange annual safety checks for eight years while tenant with five children occupied the property. Fined £2,400 and ordered to pay £5,000 costs at Wirral Magistrates' Court on 8 October 2025.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Wirral Borough Council" ], "areas": [ "gas", "discrimination" ], "sourceName": "HSE press", "sourceUrl": "https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/10/12/landlord-sentenced-for-leaving-gas-boiler-unchecked-for-eight-years/", "sourceFigures": [ "£2,400", "£2,400", "£5,000" ] }, { "id": "6bbb034b1b55", "date": "2026-10-02", "addedAt": "2026-10-03", "headline": "Tribunal dismisses rent repayment applications as out of time", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal dismissed two rent repayment order applications against Ferman Property Ltd relating to 128D George Lane, London. Applications dated 26 September 2025 and 29 September 2025 failed the 12-month statutory deadline under section 41(2) Housing and Planning Act 2016. Licensing offence ended 22 May 2024; harassment and violence allegations occurred outside the prescribed period.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/128d-george-lane-london-e18-1ad-lon-slash-00bc-slash-hmf-slash-2026-slash-0030", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "e366b7040b10", "date": "2026-10-02", "addedAt": "2026-10-03", "headline": "Tribunal orders landlord to repay £9,918 rent over unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal awarded rent repayment order of £9,918 plus £341 fees to four tenants at 195 Dawes Road, Hammersmith. Property should have been licensed under Additional Licensing scheme but was not during relevant period 1st April 2024 – 31st March 2025. Payment due within 28 days.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Hammersmith and Fulham" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/195-dawes-road-hammersmith-london-sw6-7qy-lon-slash-00an-slash-hmf-slash-2026-slash-0037", "sourceFigures": [ "£9,918", "£9,918", "£341", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "1ac704fdb019", "date": "2026-10-02", "addedAt": "2026-10-03", "headline": "Tribunal awards £2,805 rent repayment for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal ordered J T Wheeler Properties to pay Ms Kiera Cannan £2,805 in rent repayment under Housing and Planning Act 2016 section 41, plus £341 in tribunal fees. Property was unlicensed HMO in additional licensing area, London Borough Barnet. Period claimed: 10 October 2024 to 10 October 2025.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough Barnet" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/flat-2-757a-high-road-london-n12-8ld-lon-slash-00ac-slash-hmf-slash-2026-slash-0043", "sourceFigures": [ "£2,805", "£2,805", "£341" ] }, { "id": "2a7eb3fa8912", "date": "2026-09-30", "addedAt": "2026-10-01", "headline": "Right to Rent digital checks now require registered providers", "summary": "From 1 October 2026, all Right to Rent digital checks must be carried out through a registered Digital Verification Service Provider. Checks by non-registered providers no longer offer statutory defence against civil penalties. Fines up to £20,000 per property occupier apply for failing proper checks.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "rightToRent", "prsDatabase" ], "sourceName": "GOV.UK", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents", "sourceFigures": [ "£20,000" ] }, { "id": "3254991698ba", "date": "2026-09-30", "addedAt": "2026-10-01", "headline": "Tribunal orders landlord to repay rent over unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-tier tribunal ordered Syeda Habiba Ahmed to repay £756.92 to each of two tenants and reimburse court fees of £341.00 within 28 days. Property at 49 Manor House Road, Newcastle upon Tyne operated as unlicensed house in multiple occupation in breach of Housing Act 2004 section 72(1).", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/49-manor-house-road-newcastle-upon-tyne-ne2-2ly-man-slash-00cj-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0653", "sourceFigures": [ "£756.92", "£341.00", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "c62f74ff70ed", "date": "2026-09-28", "addedAt": "2026-09-29", "headline": "Great Yarmouth removes standard occupancy limit from selective licences", "summary": "Great Yarmouth Borough Council has removed the standard occupancy limit condition from licences under its selective licensing scheme. The council may still set an occupancy limit on an individual licence where a property is found to be overcrowded. Landlords in the designated areas still need a selective licence, as they have since 1 April 2026.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Great Yarmouth Borough Council" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "great-yarmouth.gov.uk", "sourceUrl": "https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/article/15406/FAQs-for-Selective-Licensing", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "d743db9803ab", "date": "2026-09-25", "addedAt": "2026-09-26", "headline": "Upper Tribunal upholds director penalty for HMO regulation breach", "summary": "Upper Tribunal dismissed Mr Tariq Khuja's appeal against a financial penalty imposed by Cherwell District Council for failing to comply with regulations applicable to houses in multiple occupation. Khuja, sole director of corporate landlord OX1 Limited, was found liable under section 251 Housing Act 2004 based on consent to the offence.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Cherwell District Council" ], "areas": [ "licence", "deposit" ], "sourceName": "Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) — Find Case Law", "sourceUrl": "https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukut/lc/2026/363", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "5d741fd105ca", "date": "2026-09-23", "addedAt": "2026-09-24", "headline": "Building Safety Levy comes into effect 1 October 2026", "summary": "The Building Safety Levy, a government charge on new residential developments of 10+ dwellings or 30+ student bedspaces, takes effect 1 October 2026. Charged at £23.29/sqm (previously developed land) or £46.58/sqm (other land), with 50% discount if 75%+ of site is previously developed. Completion certificates will not be issued until levy paid in full.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "commonPartsFire", "buildingSafety", "depositCap" ], "sourceName": "Brentwood Borough Council", "sourceUrl": "https://www.brentwood.gov.uk/building-safety-levy", "sourceFigures": [ "£23.29", "£46.58" ] }, { "id": "f117724387d5", "date": "2026-09-18", "addedAt": "2026-09-23", "headline": "Croydon landlord licensing schemes open for applications on 25 September", "summary": "Applications for two new landlord licensing schemes in Croydon open on Friday 25 September. From that date selective licensing applies to privately rented homes in 14 wards, and additional HMO licensing applies borough-wide to houses in multiple occupation with three or four people from two or more households. Larger HMOs with five or more people remain under mandatory licensing.", "kind": "deadline", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Croydon" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "London Borough of Croydon", "sourceUrl": "https://news.croydon.gov.uk/croydon-prepares-for-launch-of-new-landlord-licensing-schemes/", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "f0621e5f3ce4", "date": "2026-09-16", "addedAt": "2026-09-17", "headline": "Tribunal upholds £9,000 penalty for improvement notice breach", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal found G & O Rents Limited breached an Improvement Notice dated 7 June 2023 served by Thanet District Council. Works were not completed by the 21 March 2024 deadline, only finished 15 months late. Tribunal upheld the £9,000 financial penalty issued 10 December 2025.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Thanet District Council" ], "areas": [ "licence", "hhsrs" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/11-carlton-avenue-ramsgate-kent-ct11-9bp-hav-slash-29un-slash-hna-slash-2026-slash-0005", "sourceFigures": [ "£9,000", "£9,000", "15 months" ] }, { "id": "a92f20a9f733", "date": "2023-04-24", "addedAt": "2026-09-15", "headline": "New ground for possession added to assured tenancy forms", "summary": "The Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies (Forms) (England) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2016 came into force on 1st December 2016. Form No. 3 was amended to reflect ground 7B for possession under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, introduced by the Immigration Act 2016.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "possession", "rightToRent", "licence" ], "sourceName": "legislation.gov.uk — assured tenancies", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/1118/made", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "2aca50d797e2", "date": "2023-04-24", "addedAt": "2026-09-15", "headline": "Assured tenancy notice form updated for Tenant Fees Act", "summary": "Form No. 6A for assured tenancy section 21 notices amended to reflect restrictions on termination under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and Housing Act 2004 (unlicensed HMOs). Changes came into force 1st June 2019.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "depositCap", "possession", "licence" ], "sourceName": "legislation.gov.uk — assured tenancies", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2019/915/made", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "7f75c62c432e", "date": "2026-05-01", "addedAt": "2026-09-15", "headline": "New prescribed forms for private assured tenancies take effect", "summary": "The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Prescribed Forms and Transitional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2026 come into force on 1st May 2026. New prescribed forms apply to private assured tenancies under Part 1 of the Housing Act 1988, including forms for succession notices, possession proceedings, rent increases, and opting-out notices. Transitional provisions allow old forms to continue in specified circumstances.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "possession", "rentIncrease", "licence" ], "sourceName": "legislation.gov.uk — assured tenancies", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/354/made", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "f4b2614febdd", "date": "2026-04-20", "addedAt": "2026-09-15", "headline": "Renters' Rights Act 2025 provisions commence 1 May 2026", "summary": "The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 2 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026, made 16th April 2026, bring into force from 1st May 2026 provisions including tenancy reform for assured tenancies, discrimination protections, rent bidding rules, unlawful eviction penalties, and enforcement powers for local housing authorities.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "possession", "rentIncrease", "discrimination" ], "sourceName": "legislation.gov.uk — Renters' Rights", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/421/made", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "adbce383a47c", "date": "2026-06-18", "addedAt": "2026-09-15", "headline": "Renters' Rights Act 2025: category 1 hazard penalties commence 22 June", "summary": "The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2026 bring into force provisions on 22nd June 2026 enabling local housing authorities to impose civil penalties of up to £7,000 on responsible persons where qualifying residential premises contain a category 1 hazard that would have been reasonably practicable to remove.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "possession", "hhsrs", "depositCap" ], "sourceName": "legislation.gov.uk — Renters' Rights", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/638/made", "sourceFigures": [ "£7,000" ] }, { "id": "885ec0459a04", "date": "2026-08-10", "addedAt": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Upper Tribunal sets aside section 13 rent determination for lack of reasoning", "summary": "A landlord served a section 13 notice under the Housing Act 1988 proposing £1,600 per month for a converted London studio flat, up from £650. The First-tier Tribunal determined the market rent at £750 per calendar month but did not explain why it rejected the comparable evidence both parties put forward. The Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) set the decision aside as a whole and remitted it to the FTT for a fresh determination by a different panel.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "rentIncrease", "licence", "repairs" ], "sourceName": "Find Case Law — disrepair", "sourceUrl": "https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukut/lc/2026/302", "sourceFigures": [ "£1,600", "£650", "£750" ] }, { "id": "1ec5fae650e9", "date": "2026-05-01", "addedAt": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Regulations set new written tenancy statement requirements.", "summary": "The Assured Tenancies (Private Rented Sector) (Written Statement of Terms etc and Information Sheet) (England) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026 No. 324) establish mandatory content for written statements of terms. Requirements include landlord and tenant names, property address, rent payable, and statements on changes made by the Renters' Rights Act 2025.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "writtenStatement" ], "sourceName": "legislation.gov.uk — assured tenancies", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/324/made", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "9db33b322792", "date": "2026-09-02", "addedAt": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Ribble Valley: HMO planning permission now required", "summary": "Ribble Valley Borough Council has implemented an Article 4 direction removing permitted development rights for houses of multiple occupation (three to six unrelated people). Planning permission is now required. The directive is in force immediately but subject to a 21-day statutory consultation until Friday, September 18.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Ribble Valley Borough Council" ], "areas": [ "hmoPlanning" ], "sourceName": "Ribble Valley Borough Council", "sourceUrl": "https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/news/article/387/new-rules-for-multiple-occupancy-houses-in-ribble-valley", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "7171c8552ddc", "date": "2026-07-15", "addedAt": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Merton to make HMO planning permission rules permanent", "summary": "Merton Council's Cabinet approved permanent borough-wide HMO planning permission rules. Rules applied to 13 wards from 24 March 2026, joining rest of borough where controls have applied since 2022. Full Council confirmation scheduled 16 September 2026, ahead of statutory deadline 23 September.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Merton" ], "areas": [ "licence", "hmoPlanning" ], "sourceName": "London Borough of Merton", "sourceUrl": "https://news.merton.gov.uk/2026/07/15/merton-set-to-make-borough-wide-hmo-planning-rules-permanent/", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "b9cfbfd59bf5", "date": "2026-08-21", "addedAt": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Havering consults on planning controls for new HMOs", "summary": "Havering Council is consulting on a proposed Article 4 Direction to require planning permission for all new HMOs borough-wide. The consultation runs eight weeks from 21 August 2026 to 16 October 2026. If confirmed, the Direction would withdraw permitted development rights and allow the Council to consider HMO applications against planning policy.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Havering" ], "areas": [ "hmoPlanning" ], "sourceName": "London Borough of Havering", "sourceUrl": "https://www.havering.gov.uk/news/article/1810/new-proposed-planning-rules-for-hmos-in-havering", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "5506e17c3934", "date": "2026-06-12", "addedAt": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Harrow: planning permission now required for smaller HMOs", "summary": "From 12 June 2026, London Borough of Harrow requires planning permission for all HMOs. Previously, smaller HMOs with 3–6 unrelated people were automatically allowed under Permitted Development. The Article 4 Direction gives the council greater control over HMO development.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Harrow" ], "areas": [ "hmoPlanning" ], "sourceName": "London Borough of Harrow", "sourceUrl": "https://www.harrow.gov.uk/news/article/11514/new-planning-rules-come-into-force-for-smaller-hmos", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "9e5bd80a9f5a", "date": "2026-08-10", "addedAt": "2026-09-14", "headline": "Upper Tribunal upholds five-year banning order against Sheffield landlord", "summary": "Upper Tribunal Judge Elizabeth Cooke upheld a First-tier Tribunal banning order against Jama Ahmed Farrah, aged 104, for five years under the Housing and Planning Act 2016. He was convicted on 6 March 2024 of two offences under section 1(3A) of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 between 5 December 2022 and 21 December 2022.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Sheffield City Council" ], "areas": [ "possession", "licence", "hmoPlanning" ], "sourceName": "Find Case Law — Housing Act 1988", "sourceUrl": "https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukut/lc/2026/303", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "f2e0add84198", "date": "2026-07-24", "headline": "Landlord fined £5,601.54 for breaching improvement notice", "summary": "Wajid Mahmood pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an improvement notice issued by Ribble Valley Borough Council. Blackburn magistrates fined him £2,025 and ordered costs of £2,846.54. The property in Clitheroe had serious hazards including damp, mould, defective boiler and no hot water.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Ribble Valley Borough Council" ], "areas": [ "fitness", "repairs" ], "sourceName": "Ribble Valley Borough Council", "sourceUrl": "https://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/news/article/378/council-takes-legal-action-against-rogue-landlord-over-unfit-house", "sourceFigures": [ "£5,601.54", "£2,025", "£2,846.54" ], "addedAt": "2026-09-14" }, { "id": "03954436d586", "date": "2026-09-10", "headline": "Tribunal orders landlord £906 rent repayment for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal Property Chamber determined Mr Junhua Zhu unlawfully managed an unlicensed house in multiple occupation at 380 Brighton Road South Croydon. Tribunal ordered rent repayment of £906 and £330 reimbursement of application and hearing fees within 28 days, for period 31st July 2023 – 31st July 2024.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/380-brighton-road-south-croydon-cr2-6al-lon-slash-00ah-slash-hmg-slash-2025-slash-0659", "sourceFigures": [ "£906", "£906", "£330", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "8517f27dbca7", "date": "2026-09-10", "headline": "Tribunal dismisses rent repayment claim: HMO licence application defence upheld", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal dismissed a tenant's rent repayment order application at Flat 5, 27 Summit Road, Northolt. The respondent, Uniwell Investments Limited, had made a licence application on 10th June 2024 which remained outstanding. Section 72(4) of the Housing Act 2004 provides a defence where a licence application has been duly made and remains effective.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Ealing" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/flat-5-27-summit-road-northolt-ub5-5hj-lon-slash-00aj-slash-hmf-slash-2026-slash-0008", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "70082d830050", "date": "2026-09-10", "headline": "Tribunal orders landlord to repay £42,316 rent for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal found David Martinez liable for a Rent Repayment Order of £42,316 against four tenants at Flat 12 Trevelyon House, London E2 0PY. The property was an unlicensed HMO in breach of London Borough of Tower Hamlets Additional Licensing Scheme (renewed 1 April 2024, expiring 31 March 2029). Repayment due within 28 days of 24 August 2026 decision.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Tower Hamlets" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/flat-12-trevelyan-house-morpeth-street-london-e2-0py-lon-slash-00bg-slash-hmf-slash-2026-slash-0022", "sourceFigures": [ "£42,316", "£42,316", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "f4d19ca65b22", "date": "2026-09-10", "headline": "Tribunal orders £2,908.01 refund for prohibited early termination fee", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal determined that Core Residential Property Agency unlawfully charged Nicholas Curwood £2,908.01 as a prohibited payment under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 when he requested early surrender of his tenancy. The Respondent must repay the sum within 21 days.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "depositCap" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/flat-32-duo-tower-hoxton-press-penn-street-london-n1-5ff-lon-slash-00am-slash-htc-slash-2026-slash-0014", "sourceFigures": [ "£2,908.01", "£2,908.01", "21 days" ] }, { "id": "19981b4ce40c", "date": "2026-09-09", "headline": "National landlord registration service launches December 2026", "summary": "All landlords in England must register properties on a new national service rolling out region by region from 15 December 2026, starting in West Midlands. Three-month signup window per region; all must register by 14 November 2027. Non-compliance risks a fine. HMRC Valuation Office to handle rent increase challenges.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "rentIncrease", "prsDatabase", "rightToRent" ], "sourceName": "GOV.UK — news (landlord)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-protections-and-greater-confidence-for-renters", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "21ec51c04323", "date": "2026-09-10", "headline": "Tribunal orders landlord to repay £29,581.79 for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal ordered Robert Fry to pay rent repayment of £29,581.79 to six tenants of 36 Kenwyn Road, London SW4 7LH, plus £341 in fees, within 28 days. The premises should have been licensed under mandatory HMO licensing but were not during 2024–2025.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Lambeth" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/36-kenwyn-road-london-sw4-7lh-lon-slash-00ay-slash-hmg-slash-2025-slash-0679", "sourceFigures": [ "£29,581.79", "£29,581.79", "£341", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "ebdc26c369aa", "date": "2026-09-07", "headline": "Tribunal orders £1,510.04 rent repayment for unlicensed property", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal found the 2nd Respondent committed an offence under section 95(1) Housing Act 2004 by managing an unlicensed property subject to Liverpool selective licensing. Ordered to pay tenants £1,510.04 by 21 September 2026.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Liverpool City Council" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/flat-2-183a-smithdown-road-liverpool-l15-2hd-man-slash-00by-slash-hmg-slash-2025-slash-0603", "sourceFigures": [ "£1,510.04", "£1,510.04" ] }, { "id": "415d594aa99d", "date": "2026-08-28", "headline": "Tribunal reduces unlicensed property penalty from £11,000 to £4,000", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal upheld Durham County Council's finding that Karl Pepperday failed to license 63 Fines Park, Stanley, Co Durham under Housing Act 2004 section 95, but reduced the financial penalty from £11,000.00 to £4,000.00. Decision dated 13 May 2026.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Durham County Council" ], "areas": [ "licence", "hhsrs" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/63-fines-park-stanley-co-durham-dh9-8qy-man-slash-00ej-slash-hna-slash-2025-slash-0733", "sourceFigures": [ "£11,000", "£4,000", "£11,000.00", "£4,000.00" ] }, { "id": "caa2e427e963", "date": "2026-08-18", "headline": "Tribunal orders landlord to repay £9,606.78 for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal found respondent Maomao Keira Wang unlawfully managed an unlicensed HMO at 12 Pratt Street, London NW1 0AB from 14 September 2024 to 6 September 2025. Tribunal rejected her reasonable excuse defence and ordered rent repayment of £9,606.78 plus £341.00 application fee, payable within 14 days.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Camden" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/12-pratt-street-camden-london-nw1-0ab-lon-slash-00ag-slash-hmf-slash-2026-slash-0007", "sourceFigures": [ "£9,606.78", "£9,606.78", "£341.00", "14 days" ] }, { "id": "adf4973e0568", "date": "2026-08-18", "headline": "Tribunal denies rent repayment order against Ilford landlord", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal determined not to make a rent repayment order against Mr Keith Hill in relation to 99 Endsleigh Gardens, Ilford. Mr Carl Wheeler had applied for £6,750 covering July 5th, 2024 – March 5th 2025, alleging harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Decision issued 30th July 2026, amended 1st September 2026.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Redbridge" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/99-endsleigh-gardens-ilford-ig1-3eg-lon-slash-00bc-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0853", "sourceFigures": [ "£6,750" ] }, { "id": "2788799f70d9", "date": "2026-08-08", "headline": "Tribunal confirms £37,000 penalty against Hounslow landlord", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal confirmed a £25,000 penalty for failure to comply with an Improvement Notice and £6,000 for each of two failures to comply with electrical safety regulations. The penalty was imposed by London Borough of Hounslow on 24th January 2025. The Tribunal's decision was issued 1st July 2026.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Hounslow" ], "areas": [ "licence", "hhsrs" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/719-bath-road-hounslow-tw5-9sz-lon-slash-00at-slash-hna-slash-2025-slash-0668", "sourceFigures": [ "£37,000", "£25,000", "£6,000" ] }, { "id": "12b7ccbf4ac7", "date": "2026-08-25", "headline": "Tribunal orders landlord to repay £3,720 rent for unlicensed property", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal found landlord Satpal Tiwana committed a housing offence under section 95 Housing Act 2004 by managing an unlicensed house in Birmingham's Selective Licensing area. Ordered to repay 40% of £9,300 rent (£3,720) plus £341 tribunal fees within 28 days.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Birmingham City Council" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/856-pershore-road-selly-park-birmingham-b29-7ls-bir-slash-00cn-slash-hmk-slash-2025-slash-0020", "sourceFigures": [ "£3,720", "£9,300", "£3,720", "£341", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "3d2f60df546d", "date": "2026-08-25", "headline": "Tribunal confirms £5,625 selective licensing penalty", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal dismissed appeal against financial penalty imposed by Birmingham City Council for operating unlicensed house in selective licensing area. Penalty reduced from £12,500 to £5,625. Property at 14 Jephcott Road required licence under Part 3 Housing Act 2004 from 5 June 2023; not licensed until November 2025.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Birmingham City Council" ], "areas": [ "licence", "hhsrs" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/14-jephcott-road-birmingham-b3-3ed-bir-slash-00cn-slash-hna-slash-2026-slash-0019", "sourceFigures": [ "£5,625", "£12,500", "£5,625" ] }, { "id": "f7b9c9cc1bdf", "date": "2026-08-18", "headline": "Tribunal orders £17,244 rent repayment for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal ordered landlord Khaula Zahid to repay £17,244 to four tenants at 93b Sydenham Road, London, for operating an unlicensed HMO in breach of Additional Licensing requirements. Payment due within 28 days. Tribunal also ordered £330 tribunal fee repayment.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Lewisham" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/93b-sydenham-road-london-se26-5ez-lon-slash-00az-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0942", "sourceFigures": [ "£17,244", "£17,244", "£330", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "023aa342c814", "date": "2026-08-18", "headline": "Tribunal reduces HMO penalty to £35,500 for London landlord", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal reduced a financial penalty imposed by London Borough of Enfield on Rosa Giddy from £55,500 to £35,500 for breaches of the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 at 94 Mayfield Crescent, London N9 7NJ. Payment due within 28 days.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Enfield" ], "areas": [ "licence", "hhsrs" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/94-mayfield-crescent-london-n9-7nj-lon-slash-00ak-slash-hna-slash-2025-slash-0722", "sourceFigures": [ "£35,500", "£55,500", "£35,500", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "8635a80f3de7", "date": "2026-08-08", "headline": "Tower Hamlets landlord ordered to repay tenants for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "The First-tier Tribunal made rent repayment orders against a landlord after finding 1 Driffield Road, E3 was an unlicensed house in multiple occupation in Tower Hamlets. Three tenants were awarded £720, £4,800 and £4,800, payable within 28 days, with their tribunal fees reimbursed. (Housing and Planning Act 2016.)", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Tower Hamlets" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/x3-1-driffield-road-london-e3-5ne-lon-slash-00bg-slash-hmf-slash-2024-slash-0704-1-lon-slash-00bg-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0690-2-lon-slash-00bg-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0708-3", "sourceFigures": [ "£720,", "£4,800", "£4,800,", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "389a8937ee29", "date": "2026-08-10", "headline": "Tribunal orders £17,475 rent repayment for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) ordered Usha Sharma to repay £17,475 to three tenants of an unlicensed HMO at 1C Fairlawn Avenue, Ealing, under section 41 Housing and Planning Act 2016. Property lacked required licence under additional licensing scheme. Rent repayment order payable within 28 days.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough of Ealing" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/1c-fairlawn-avenue-ealing-w4-5ef-lon-slash-00aj-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0816", "sourceFigures": [ "£17,475", "£17,475", "28 days" ] }, { "id": "dbf12e7d824c", "date": "2026-08-08", "headline": "Rent repayment order application dismissed as out of time", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal dismissed a rent repayment order application against Ms Munazza Rafique for alleged unlicensed HMO management. Application made 11 August 2025 for period October 2023 to 10 August 2024, claiming £29,009.68. Tribunal found offence not proved within required 12-month window preceding application.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "London Borough Southwark" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/flat-30-dawes-house-orb-street-london-se17-1re-lon-slash-00be-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0905", "sourceFigures": [ "£29,009.68" ] }, { "id": "729ba37d5cdd", "date": "2026-08-11", "headline": "Rent repayment order application refused; HMO properly licensed", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal refused tenants' application for a rent repayment order against landlord and managing agents of a four-bedroom HMO flat in Maida Vale, London. The property held a valid HMO licence (granted City of Westminster, 16 November 2021, for 5 years from 30 August 2021 to 29 August 2026) covering the entire alleged offence period.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "City of Westminster" ], "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/flat-94-castellain-mansions-castellain-road-w9-1hb-lon-slash-00bk-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0797", "sourceFigures": [ "5 years" ] }, { "id": "1c82a9ba6a25", "date": "2026-08-06", "headline": "Unregistered gas fitter sentenced for illegal work at two homes", "summary": "Bradley Willis-Chambers, 47, pleaded guilty to breaching gas safety regulations after carrying out illegal gas work at properties in Southsea and Tipner between 2021 and 2022. On 23 July 2026, Portsmouth Crown Court sentenced him to eighteen months' imprisonment suspended for two years, 180 hours unpaid work, and £600 compensation to each victim.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "Portsmouth City Council" ], "areas": [ "gas" ], "sourceName": "HSE press", "sourceUrl": "https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/08/06/unregistered-gas-installer-sentenced-for-illegal-gas-work-at-two-hampshire-homes/", "sourceFigures": [ "£600" ] }, { "id": "e9615e6c5ee6", "date": "2026-08-07", "headline": "Tribunal dismisses rent repayment order application for unlicensed HMO", "summary": "First-Tier Tribunal dismissed applicants' rent repayment order application against Mr Xi Cai under the Housing and Planning Act 2016. Applicants claimed £16,200 for period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, alleging unlicensed HMO at 249 Woolwich Road, London SE10 0RN. Tribunal found insufficient evidence that property was occupied as HMO by three or more persons forming more than one household on any identifiable date.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/249-woolwich-road-london-se10-0rn-lon-slash-00al-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0885", "sourceFigures": [ "£16,200" ] }, { "id": "4952897e4b69", "date": "2026-08-12", "headline": "Tribunal decision issued for 32A Little Ilford Lane, London", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) issued a final reasoned decision on 23 July 2026 concerning 32A Little Ilford Lane, London, E12 5PW under Housing Act 2004 and Housing and Planning Act 2016, relating to a rent repayment order.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/32a-little-ilford-lane-london-e12-5pw-lon-slash-00bb-slash-hmf-slash-2026-slash-0016", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "67adfac0d95a", "date": "2026-08-17", "headline": "Building firm and director fined for unsafe gas work on extension", "summary": "Adam's Building Construction Ltd and director Mohammed Adam Azhar were convicted of breaching health and safety law after building an extension over gas pipework and boiler flue without relocation, exposing residents to gas leak and carbon monoxide risks. The company was fined £10,000 plus £4,263 costs; the director fined £1,000 plus £400 surcharge.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "local", "councils": [ "City of Bradford Metropolitan Council" ], "areas": [ "gas", "hhsrs" ], "sourceName": "HSE press", "sourceUrl": "https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/08/17/building-company-and-director-fined-after-botched-extension-put-familys-lives-at-risk/", "sourceFigures": [ "£10,000", "£4,263", "£1,000", "£400" ] }, { "id": "a3f8b07df54d", "date": "2026-08-13", "headline": "Tribunal decides rent repayment order, 31 Hood Road, Yeovil", "summary": "First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) issued a rent repayment order decision for 31 Hood Road, Yeovil, BA21 5EN on 10 August 2026 under Housing Act 2004 and Housing and Planning Act 2016.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "FTT (Property Chamber) decisions", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/residential-property-tribunal-decisions/31-hood-road-yeovil-ba21-5en-hav-slash-40ud-slash-hmf-slash-2025-slash-0632", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "da7f3e78fb35", "date": "2026-07-13", "headline": "Awaab's Law expands for social landlords from 30 Nov 2026 — private sector to follow", "summary": "From 30 November 2026, Awaab's Law Phase 2 requires social housing landlords in England to tackle seven further hazard types — electrical faults, falls, fire and explosions, excess cold, excess heat, structural collapse, and hygiene risks — within fixed timeframes: 24 hours for emergencies, 10 working days to investigate, and 5 working days to complete urgent safety works. These duties do not yet apply to private landlords, but the Government has confirmed Awaab's Law will be extended to the private rented sector under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, with the timing still to be confirmed following consultation. Private landlords should treat this as the clear direction of travel and prepare now.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "awaabsLaw" ], "sourceName": "GOV.UK — news (landlord)", "sourceUrl": "https://www.gov.uk/government/news/safer-homes-for-4m-tenants-with-quicker-action-on-dangerous-homes", "sourceFigures": [] }, { "id": "4d2fec323720", "date": "2026-07-23", "headline": "Father and son sentenced for illegal gas work in rental property", "summary": "Wayne Culliss, 55, was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,500 costs for breaching Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. His son Kazys received a 12-month community order, 140 hours unpaid work, and £500 costs for contravening Gas Safety Regulations 1998 after carrying out unqualified boiler replacement that caused a gas leak endangering tenants including a baby.", "kind": "enforcement", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "gas", "repairs" ], "sourceName": "HSE press", "sourceUrl": "https://press.hse.gov.uk/2026/07/23/father-and-son-sentenced-for-carrying-out-illegal-gas-work-2/", "sourceFigures": [ "£3,000", "£2,500", "£500" ] }, { "id": "rra-s21-abolition-2026", "date": "2026-05-01", "headline": "Section 21 'no-fault' evictions abolished — for new AND existing tenancies", "summary": "The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished Section 21 notices from 1 May 2026, for existing tenancies as well as new ones. Possession now runs on Section 8 grounds — a legal reason a court can grant possession — with pre-conditions that must be in place before a notice is valid.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "possession" ], "sourceName": "Renters' Rights Act 2025 — legislation.gov.uk", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/26" }, { "id": "eicr-penalty-uplift-2026", "date": "2026-05-01", "headline": "Electrical safety penalties rise: up to £40,000 per breach", "summary": "For offences from 1 May 2026, the maximum civil penalty for electrical-safety breaches (including a missing or expired EICR) rose to £40,000 per breach under the amended Electrical Safety Standards regulations. Councils set the amount case by case.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "eicr" ], "sourceName": "Electrical Safety Standards (Amendment) Regulations 2025 — legislation.gov.uk", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348273007" }, { "id": "rro-doubled-2026", "date": "2026-05-01", "headline": "Rent Repayment Orders doubled: tenants can now claim back 24 months' rent", "summary": "From 1 May 2026 the maximum Rent Repayment Order doubled from 12 to 24 months of rent — most commonly ordered against landlords of unlicensed HMOs, where civil penalties can also reach £40,000. Licence status is the thing to check.", "kind": "legislation", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "licence" ], "sourceName": "Housing Act 2004 s.249A (as amended) — legislation.gov.uk", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/section/249A" }, { "id": "written-statement-backstop-2026", "date": "2026-05-31", "headline": "Written statement of terms: the backstop deadline for existing tenancies has passed", "summary": "Existing tenancies needed the prescribed written statement (and Information Sheet) served by 31 May 2026. The penalty for breach is a civil penalty up to £7,000, rising to £40,000 for an offence. If you haven't recorded serving yours, that is the first thing to check.", "kind": "deadline", "scope": "national", "areas": [ "writtenStatement" ], "sourceName": "Renters' Rights Act 2025 s.12 (Housing Act 1988 s.16D) — legislation.gov.uk", "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/26/section/12" } ] }