New civil penalty tables published: fines start at £3,000 and climb to £35,000

The government published civil penalty guidance under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, setting out a scale of fines that start at £3,000 and climb to £35,000 for the most serious offences.

The largest penalties are reserved for the most serious breaches. A breach of a banning order carries a starting figure of £35,000. Using a possession ground that the landlord knew or should have known could not be met attracts a penalty of £30,000. Failing to provide the required information sheet to tenants starts at £4,000, rising to £7,000 for a first offence.

Why this matters

Previously, civil penalty amounts were at the discretion of individual councils, leading to inconsistency. The new guidance provides a national framework, meaning landlords in any area of England can now expect broadly similar penalties for similar offences.

The penalties are per offence, not per property. A landlord with multiple breaches across multiple properties could face cumulative penalties running into six figures.

Insurers are watching

The guidance noted that insurers are likely to tighten underwriting for landlords who self-manage or operate older properties where documentation or licensing may be inconsistent. Non-compliance is no longer just a regulatory risk. It is becoming a commercial one.

The practical response

Review your compliance across every property. Ensure every licence, certificate, and notice is current. The cost of a compliance review is negligible compared to a single civil penalty.