Avoid Landlord Fines Under the Renters Rights Act 2025 (London 2025)
The Renters Rights Act 2025 comes into force on 1st May 2026 and introduces major fines for landlords who breach the new rules — including fines for what many landlords would see as minor mistakes.
We explain how landlords can avoid fines and stay compliant.
Unlawful Eviction & Harassment
Unlawful eviction and harassment carry the highest fines of up to £35,000.
Harassment includes any actions or words that cause alarm or distress to a tenant. Even simple acts such as changing the locks can amount to unlawful eviction.
Minor Breaches Still Carry Heavy Fines
Fines start from £4,000 for attempting to let a property on a fixed-term tenancy. This includes advertising a fixed-term tenancy online, on property portals or even in Facebook groups.
Attempting to end a tenancy orally — or asking a tenant to leave verbally — carries a £6,000 fine. Recorded conversations or witness evidence may later prove the offence.
Failure to provide the required tenancy information starts at £2,500, although the larger penalties apply to the following breaches of the Renters Rights Act:
Using possession grounds dishonestly, such as claiming you want to sell or move into the property when you have no genuine intention to do so.
Failing to comply with a Council Improvement Notice.
Knowingly providing false information to the landlord database.
How Landlords Can Stay Compliant
From 1st May 2026, landlords must issue an Assured Periodic Tenancy agreement to all new tenants.
Always display the rent clearly when advertising online. Do not advertise bans on tenants with children, pets or benefits.
Section 21 evictions will end after midnight on 30th April 2026. After this date, landlords must use the new possession grounds instead.
Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months using a Section 13 notice.
All tenants named on a tenancy agreement must receive the Tenant Information Sheet by 31st May 2026.
FAQ’s – Avoid Landlord Fines
Q – I’m worried about serving the Tenant Information Sheet correctly. What should I do?
A – Serve the document by hand, by post or electronically by email or text message. If serving by post, keep proof of postage from Royal Mail. If serving electronically, send the actual PDF document rather than a website link.
Q – I don’t want tenants leaving every month. How can I prevent this?
A – Under an Assured Periodic Tenancy, tenants must give at least two months’ notice. In practice, this means most tenants will stay for a minimum of two months, giving landlords enough time to advertise and arrange new tenants.
Q – I don’t want pets in my property. Can I refuse tenants with pets?
A – No. Landlords must consider all pet requests properly and respond within 28 days. However, landlords can refuse pets automatically if the leasehold agreement bans animals in the building.
Q – I want to evict my tenant after 1st May 2026. Can I still serve a Section 21 notice?
A – No. Landlords must serve all Section 21 notices before 30th April 2026 and issue court proceedings by 31st July 2026. After that, Section 21 notices will no longer remain valid.
Q – The tenant wants to leave after two months. Can her boyfriend take over the tenancy?
A – No. Once a tenant gives notice to quit, the tenancy ends completely. The landlord must create a brand new tenancy agreement for any replacement tenant.
