Burnham to intensify crackdown on rogue landlords in 2026
Landlords face increased enforcement and higher fines as the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham prioritises clamping down on rogue landlords amid ongoing Renters Rights Act impacts.
Leading lettings expert Allison Thompson has warned that the second half of 2026 will see more rigorous enforcement against landlords who breach regulations. This follows recent rises in maximum fines and enhanced government funding for local council enforcement efforts. The trend is expected to accelerate under the new Labour government led by Andy Burnham.
Thompson highlights that Greater Manchester, where Burnham previously served as mayor, has already experienced a 43% increase in landlord fines. This suggests a national intensification of regulatory scrutiny and penalties for non-compliance.
Enforcement changes linked to Renters Rights Act
The Renters Rights Act (RRA) continues to reshape the private rented sector, with enforcement becoming a key focus for authorities. Thompson notes that the rise in fines and funding is a direct consequence of the Act’s provisions, which aim to protect tenants and uphold higher standards.
Local councils are now better equipped to identify and penalise breaches such as failure to maintain property standards, illegal eviction practices, and non-compliance with safety regulations. The increase in enforcement activity reflects government intent to deter rogue landlords and improve tenant security.
Moreover, the RRA has introduced procedural changes that affect possession claims. Every contested eviction case must now proceed through the courts, lengthening the process. Data from 2025 shows the median time from claim to possession rose to 27 weeks, up from 24 weeks in 2024, with further delays expected as case volumes increase.
Context of regulatory tightening and landlord challenges
The private rented sector has been under mounting regulatory pressure for several years, with the Renters Rights Act representing one of the most significant reforms. It abolishes Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and replaces them with stricter grounds for possession, alongside enhanced tenant protections.
These changes have increased the administrative and legal burdens on landlords, requiring more meticulous record-keeping, compliance with safety and property standards, and careful management of tenancy agreements and eviction procedures. The government’s focus on enforcement means that landlords who fail to comply face higher risks of penalties and legal action.
Burnham’s approach, shaped by his previous tenure in Greater Manchester, signals a more interventionist stance nationally. His administration’s record of increasing fines and enforcement activity there is likely to be replicated across other regions, raising the stakes for landlords who operate outside the law.
Practical implications for landlords and agents
Landlords managing small portfolios or single properties need to prepare for a tougher regulatory environment. Increased enforcement means that compliance with legal obligations around property conditions, tenant rights, and eviction processes must be prioritised.
Letting agents should expect more scrutiny and potentially higher workloads related to ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities. The lengthening of possession proceedings will require careful planning for tenancy turnover and cash flow management.
Higher fines and the prospect of court action underline the importance of maintaining up-to-date documentation, conducting regular property inspections, and responding promptly to tenant complaints and repair needs. Proactive engagement with local authority licensing schemes and adherence to safety regulations such as gas and electrical checks are essential.
Uncertainties and what to monitor
While the direction of increased enforcement is clear, some details remain uncertain. The government has promised court reforms and streamlining of possession procedures, but progress has been limited so far. It is unclear when or if these reforms will significantly reduce delays.
The exact scale and scope of increased funding for local councils and the mechanisms for enforcement may evolve, affecting how quickly and consistently penalties are applied. Landlords should watch for updates from the Ministry of Housing and local authorities on enforcement priorities and resources.
Additionally, the impact of Burnham’s leadership on national housing policy beyond enforcement remains to be seen. Changes in licensing requirements, safety standards, or tenancy regulations could emerge, requiring landlords to stay informed and adaptable.
What landlords should consider now
Landlords should review their current compliance status, ensuring all safety certificates, licensing, and tenancy documentation are in order. Monitoring local authority enforcement activity in their area can provide early warning of increased inspections or fines.
Given the longer possession timelines, landlords must plan for potential extended vacancies or delayed property returns. Engaging professional legal advice for possession cases and tenancy disputes is advisable to navigate the more complex post-RRA landscape.
Maintaining clear communication channels with tenants and promptly addressing repair and safety issues can reduce the risk of enforcement action. Landlords should also consider training or advice on the Renters Rights Act’s requirements to minimise inadvertent breaches.
Supporting landlords through regulatory change
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers resources and support to help landlords and letting agents manage compliance amid evolving regulations. Through membership, landlords gain access to practical information on legal obligations, property standards, and tenancy management.
TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to assist landlords in organising property records, managing rental documents, and keeping evidence of compliance activity. Features relevant to the current enforcement focus include recording inspections, repairs, and communications with tenants, as well as accessing up-to-date compliance resources.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with tools to better prepare for increased enforcement and regulatory demands. Staying organised and informed is vital to reducing risks and maintaining a successful rental business under the Renters Rights Act and new government priorities.
Landlords should continue to monitor official guidance and local authority announcements to remain compliant and responsive to regulatory changes in the months ahead.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association