From 22 June 2026, local authorities across England were given new powers to issue civil penalties of up to £7,000 where landlords fail to address the most serious housing hazards within their rental properties.
The new enforcement powers coincide with the introduction of the revised Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which came into force on 23 June 2026. This is the first major overhaul of the HHSRS in almost 20 years, introducing a revised framework to help local authorities identify and assess housing hazards more consistently.
Although the new powers are primarily aimed at tackling unsafe and poorly maintained accommodation, they serve as an important reminder for all landlords and letting agents to review their inspection, maintenance and record-keeping procedures.
EMPO Member Action Plan
We recommend all members take the following steps:
- Review your inspection programme and ensure that properties are inspected regularly and that written records are retained.
- Respond promptly to repair requests, particularly where damp, mould, heating, electrical safety or fire risks are involved.
- Maintain comprehensive records of inspections, maintenance, contractor visits and completed works.
- Review older or higher-risk properties for hazards that may now be subject to greater scrutiny under the revised HHSRS.
- Ensure your team understands the updated HHSRS guidance and how local authorities will assess housing hazards going forward.
A well-maintained property, supported by clear inspection and maintenance records, places landlords in the strongest possible position should a complaint be investigated by the local authority.
What Has Changed?
Alongside existing enforcement options, councils can now issue civil penalties where a Category 1 hazard is identified under the revised Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and appropriate action has not been taken to remove or reduce the risk.
The updated HHSRS is intended to simplify the assessment of hazards and improve consistency between local authorities when determining whether enforcement action is required.
Hazards That Could Lead to Enforcement
The HHSRS covers 21 housing hazards, including:
- Damp and mould
- Excess cold
- Faulty electrical installations
- Fire safety risks
- Structural instability
- Falls on stairs and steps
- Carbon monoxide exposure
- Unsafe property layouts and other serious health and safety concerns
Where these hazards present a serious risk to occupants and remain unresolved, councils may now issue financial penalties alongside their existing enforcement powers.
What This Means for Landlords
For responsible landlords who already maintain their properties to a good standard, these changes should largely reinforce existing good practice. However, the new enforcement powers increase the importance of:
- Carrying out regular, documented property inspections.
- Responding promptly to reports of repairs, damp and mould.
- Keeping comprehensive maintenance records.
- Risk assessing older properties where hazards are more likely to develop.
- Ensuring electrical, fire and heating systems remain compliant and well-maintained.
Good record-keeping may prove invaluable should a local authority investigate a complaint.
The Role of Letting Agents
Managing agents should also review their inspection and maintenance procedures.
- Agents are likely to play an increasingly important role in:
- Identifying potential hazards during routine inspections.
- Escalating repair issues quickly to landlords.
- Monitoring contractor timescales.
- Maintaining clear audit trails of reported defects and completed works.
- Advising landlords where urgent action is required to reduce enforcement risk.
Robust property management systems and well-documented processes will help demonstrate that appropriate action has been taken should concerns be raised.
Useful Government Guidance
Members may find the following official guidance helpful:
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/housing-health-and-safety-rating-system-hhsrs-guidance - Government guidance on the new housing safety enforcement powers
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/crack-down-on-dangerous-rented-homes-as-new-7k-fines-kick-in
Key Takeaway EMPO Members:
These latest changes are intended to strengthen enforcement against properties where serious hazards remain unresolved, rather than create additional burdens for responsible landlords.
The introduction of the revised HHSRS provides an ideal opportunity for landlords and agents to review inspection procedures, maintenance reporting systems, and repair response times. Taking a proactive approach not only helps reduce enforcement risk but also supports better outcomes for tenants, protects long-term property investment, and demonstrates compliance with an increasingly robust regulatory framework.
With wider reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act continuing to be introduced, now is an ideal time for landlords and agents to review their property management practices and ensure they remain fit for purpose.
Please refer to our HHSRS guidance within the members’ area for further information and support.