14/06/2026
🚨 LANDLORDS – IMPORTANT HHSRS UPDATE (ENGLAND) 🚨
There’s been a lot of noise online saying landlords can now be hit with an “instant £7,000 fine per hazard”.
I’ve checked the detail and the reality is slightly different…
From 23 June 2026, changes to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) strengthen local authority enforcement.
What this means in practice:
✅ Councils have stronger powers to act where serious (Category 1) hazards are identified
✅ Financial penalties can reach up to £7,000 for an initial breach
✅ Serious, repeat or continuing breaches can rise to up to £40,000
✅ Councils may not always need to issue an improvement notice before enforcement
This does NOT mean:
❌ Every defect = automatic £7,000 fine
❌ Every inspection ends with a penalty
❌ Minor snagging issues suddenly become offences
Examples of areas to check now:
🏠 Damp & mould
🔥 Fire safety
⚡ Electrical safety / EICR
🌡 Heating / excess cold
🪜 Stairs, trip and fall risks
💨 Ventilation & condensation
My advice to landlords:
• Carry out proactive inspections
• Keep repair records and photos
• Evidence contractor attendance
• Don’t ignore tenant reports
Good landlords shouldn’t panic — but this is another reminder that compliance and documentation matter more than ever.
Red Brick Sales & Lettings