UK Landlord Fines: What You Actually Risk

The Fines at a Glance

The Detail

Gas Safety Record (CP12)

• Annual gas safety check required on every gas appliance and flue
• Copy must be given to tenants within 28 days, or before they move in
• Records must be kept for 2 years
• On summary conviction: up to 12 months imprisonment and/or fine up to £20,000
• On indictment: up to 2 years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine

Source: Regulation 36, GSIUR 1998. Penalties under Schedule 3A, HSWA 1974.

Electrical Safety (EICR)

• Electrical installation must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years
• Report must be provided to tenants within 28 days of the inspection
• Any C1 or C2 defects must be investigated and remediated within 28 days (or sooner if specified)
• Civil penalty up to £30,000 per breach

Source: Regulation 11, Electrical Safety Standards in the PRS (England) Regulations 2020.

Smoke and CO Alarms

• At least one smoke alarm on every storey with living accommodation
• CO alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (except gas cookers), since 1 October 2022
• Alarms must be checked at the start of each new tenancy
• Penalty charge up to £5,000

Source: Regulation 8, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (as amended 2022).

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

• Valid EPC required before marketing a property to let
• Must be provided to prospective tenants free of charge
• Property must have an EPC rating of E or above (MEES regulations)
• Penalty for letting without a valid EPC: £200
• Penalty for MEES breach: up to £5,000 (based on rateable value)

Source: Regulation 38, Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012.

HMO Licensing

• An HMO licence is required for properties occupied by 5 or more people from 2 or more separate households
• Some local authorities have additional licensing schemes covering smaller HMOs
• Criminal prosecution: unlimited fine
• Civil penalty (alternative to prosecution): up to £30,000
• Tenants can claim a Rent Repayment Order of up to 12 months' rent

Source: Section 72, Housing Act 2004.

Deposit Protection

• Deposit must be placed in a government-approved scheme within 30 days
• Prescribed information must be provided to the tenant
• Failure: court can order compensation of 1x to 3x the deposit amount
• Section 21 eviction notice cannot be served while deposit is unprotected

Source: Section 214, Housing Act 2004.

Right to Rent

• Landlord must verify a tenant's right to rent before the tenancy starts
• First offence (per tenant): up to £10,000 civil penalty
• Repeat offence: up to £20,000
• Knowingly renting to someone without right to rent: up to 5 years imprisonment

Source: Gov.uk: Penalties for illegal renting.

Fire Safety (HMOs and Common Areas)

• Fire risk assessment required for common areas of multi-occupied buildings
• The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified this includes structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors
• On indictment: up to 2 years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine

Source: Article 32, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Landlord Compliance Checklist

Download or screenshot this checklist. Every item has a legal basis.

Every penalty and requirement listed in this article is sourced directly from UK primary legislation. Links to the relevant Acts and Statutory Instruments are provided above. This article was last verified on 15 March 2026. Legislation can change. Always check the current regulations for your jurisdiction.

Published 2026-03-15. This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always refer to the relevant standards and consult qualified professionals for definitive requirements.