From 1 May 2026, enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Act will be categorised into breaches and offences, each carrying distinct penalties. This new framework aims to clarify the consequences for landlords, letting agents, and their representatives who fail to comply with the Act’s provisions.

Enforcement categories and penalties

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces two tiers of enforcement: breaches and offences. Local authorities will have the authority to impose financial penalties on landlords, letting agents, or anyone acting on their behalf—excluding qualified legal representatives—depending on the nature of the violation.

For breaches, fines can reach up to £7,000. These breaches include misrepresenting tenancy terms, such as claiming a tenancy is fixed-term when it is actually rolling, or ending a tenancy verbally rather than in writing. Other breaches involve failing to provide tenants with required written notices or information sheets, or improperly using possession grounds in notices or claims.

Examples of breaches

Specific breaches subject to fines include:

• Claiming to let a property on a fixed-term tenancy instead of a rolling tenancy.
• Ending or requiring the end of a tenancy verbally rather than in writing.
• Failing to provide tenants with written notice when a specified ground for possession might be used.
• Not supplying a written statement of tenancy terms as required by regulations.
• Failing to give existing tenants an information sheet explaining changes introduced by the Act.
• Using possession grounds in notices or claims without a reasonable belief that the court will grant possession.
• Attempting to end a tenancy using a ‘notice to quit’ or similar notice of possession.

Offences and higher penalties

Offences carry more severe penalties, with financial penalties of up to £40,000 as an alternative to prosecution. These apply in cases such as re-letting or remarketing a property within a 12-month restricted period following possession under specific statutory grounds, unless reasonable steps were taken to avoid this or an exception applies.

Other offences include knowingly using possession grounds that a court would not uphold, resulting in the tenant leaving within four months without a possession order. Repeat breaches or offences within five years, and continuing breaches beyond 28 days after receiving a financial penalty without withdrawal or appeal, also fall under this category.

What this means for landlords

Landlords and letting agents must ensure strict compliance with the Renters’ Rights Act to avoid substantial financial penalties. The split between breaches and offences highlights the importance of understanding the legal requirements for tenancy agreements, notices, and possession proceedings.

Providing tenants with clear written information and following proper procedures when ending tenancies will be crucial. Additionally, landlords should be cautious when using possession grounds and adhere to the restricted re-letting period to prevent costly penalties or prosecution.

It is important to note that the list of breaches and offences is not exhaustive, and landlords should remain vigilant about all aspects of compliance under the Act.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/