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Being a landlord in 2025 is more rewarding than ever, but it also comes with higher risks. With local councils stepping up enforcement and the new Renters’ Rights Bill on the horizon, landlords who aren’t compliant could face fines of up to £40,000, or worse.
At ABC Gone, we want to help you stay ahead. Here’s a fast and practical guide to the top landlord fines and—more importantly—how to avoid them.
1. Gas Safety Certificate
Every rental property with gas appliances must undergo a Gas Safety Check once a year by a registered Gas Safe engineer.
- Penalty: Up to £6,000 per breach and even imprisonment in severe cases.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Schedule inspections annually.
- Give tenants a copy within 28 days.
- Store certificates securely.
2. Electrical Safety (EICR)
You must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), renewed every 5 years.
- Penalty: Civil fines up to £30,000.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Use a qualified electrician.
- Act quickly on ‘unsatisfactory’ reports.
3. Deposit Protection
If you take a tenancy deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
- Penalty: Up to 3x the deposit and you lose the right to serve a Section 21 notice.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Protect deposits with TDS, DPS or MyDeposits.
- Issue the prescribed information promptly.
4. Smoke & CO Alarms
You must install working smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms where required.
- Penalty: Unlimited fines for non-compliance.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Test monthly (or ensure tenants do).
- Log maintenance and replacements.
5. EPC Rating
You can’t legally rent a property with an EPC rating lower than E.
- Penalty: Up to £5,000 per property.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Upgrade insulation or heating.
- Plan ahead—ratings will likely tighten under green initiatives.
6. Licensing & Registration
Many boroughs require selective, HMO or additional licences. In 2025, all landlords will need to join the new Private Rented Sector Database.
- Penalty: £7,000–£40,000 depending on breach.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Check your local council’s licensing scheme.
- Register early with the national database.
7. Right-to-Rent Checks
You must check that tenants have legal immigration status before granting a tenancy.
- Penalty: Up to £20,000 per tenant.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Use GOV.UK’s share-code tool.
- Keep copies and follow up on time-limited visas.
8. Illegal Evictions
Unlawful evictions or neglecting repairs could trigger legal action or Rent Repayment Orders.
- Penalty: Up to 2 years’ rent repaid or £40,000 fines.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Follow proper notice and court procedures.
- Log all communications and repairs.
9. Discrimination & Advertising
From 2025, banning tenants based on income source, family size, or pets could be penalised.
- Penalty: £7,000–£40,000 depending on severity.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Advertise fairly.
- Don’t reject applications based solely on DSS, children, or pets.
10. Hidden Admin Fees
The Tenant Fees Act still applies. Charging for anything not legally permitted (e.g., admin or renewal fees) is a red flag.
- Penalty: £5,000 for the first offence, £30,000 for repeat offences.
- ✅ How to avoid it:
- Only charge what’s permitted (e.g., late rent, lost keys).
- Use a letting agent who follows the law—like ABC Gone.
🧾 Quick Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Frequency | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safety Certificate | Every 12 months | 🔴 High |
| EICR Electrical Certificate | Every 5 years | 🔴 High |
| Deposit Protection | Within 30 days | 🔴 High |
| EPC Rating | Every 10 years | 🟠 Medium |
| Right-to-Rent Checks | Before tenancy | 🔴 High |
| Smoke/CO Alarms | Ongoing | 🟠 Medium |
| Local Licensing & National DB | 2025 Onwards | 🔴 High |
| Repairs & Tenant Issues | As needed | 🔴 High |
✋ Don’t Risk It—Let ABC Gone Handle It
With new regulations rolling in, it’s never been riskier to self-manage a property. At ABC Gone, we manage compliance for you—gas checks, licensing, right-to-rent, repairs, and more. Better yet, with our Guaranteed Rent service in Areas we cover—Ilford, Romford, Southend on Sea, Harlow, Basildon, Chelmsford, Barking, Colchester, Dagenham, Essex, Harold Wood, Hornchurch, Rainham Essex, Thurrock, Upminster RM14 owes pay you even during voids and deal with all tenant-related issues.
📩 Need a Hand?
If you’re unsure whether you’re compliant, book a free landlord consultation today. We’ll review your property obligations and show you how to protect your income.
👉 Book Your Free Compliance Review
📞 02085 530645 | 📧 info@abcgone.com
