Bigger fines for right to rent failures

New fines of up to £20,000 for repeat offences of non-compliance with right to rent check rules are expected to become law in 2024. Landlords and letting agents need to stay vigilant when checking the right to rent of all their adult applicants before they enter into a new tenancy agreement. Our lettings team will continue to comply with legislation carrying out all the relevant checks.

Landlords who take on illegal immigrants, will see fines increase from £80 and £1,000 per occupier for a first breach to up to £5,000 and £10,000 per occupier. Repeat breaches will be see fines up to £10,000 and £20,000 per occupier, up from £500 and £3,000 respectively. Under existing rules landlords can also face potential imprisonment for failure to check the occupier’s right to rent status.

The civil penalty for employers employing someone without the right to work will be raised to up to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first breach from £15,000, and up to £60,000 for repeat breaches from £20,000.