The biggest compliance mistakes to make in 2026

Lettings compliance has become more complex with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act last month. But while landlords might understand the fine system – up to £7,000 for breaches and up to £40,000 for offences – they may not realise how easy it is for such non-compliance to occur. 

Failure to supply the information sheet
The government’s information sheet outlines the changes introduced by the RRA and should have been provided to all tenants by 31 May. But there are certain conditions to its provision that are easy to overlook. If the property is managed by an agent, for example, the agent must also provide the sheet, even if the landlord has already done so. 
It must also be supplied in the correct manner, either printed out and posted or handed to the tenant or sent as a PDF attachment – not a link – by email. 

Repeated non-compliance of RRA
Penalties of up to £7,000 can be imposed for a number of reasons under the RRA, from rental discrimination to rental bidding, both of which are forbidden under the new act. Other more serious breaches are offences, open to prosecution and a civil penalty that has increased from £30,000 to £40,000. 
However, if initial breaches remain unresolved, penalties can multiply and become offences, with councils able to impose up to the £40,000 maximum. So even if the fault was minor initially, it can quickly escalate if it’s not resolved or is repeated.

Rent repayment orders 
Rent repayment orders have also been strengthened under the RRA. They have been extended to superior landlords and company directors and will also apply to new offences in the act. Landlords who have previously been subject to enforcement action for an offence will be required to pay the maximum rent repayment order amount if they repeat the offence. 
Most importantly, the maximum rent that a landlord could be ordered to pay has doubled, up from 12 months to 24. Meanwhile, the time in which a tenant or local authority can apply for a rent repayment order after the offence has also doubled to 24 months. 

Process and paperwork failures
As witnessed with the way the Information Sheet must be provided, much of the RRA relies on strict adherence to the correct process, as well as accurate record keeping to document compliance. This ranges from deposit protection to repair requests. Failure to keep such records can jeopardise a landlord’s position during disputes. 

Failing to meet Decent Homes Standards 
Although it has yet to apply, another element of the Renters’ Right Act will be the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard, which will require landlords to ensure that rental properties are hazard-free and maintained to acceptable standards. 

Tighter HMO licensing 
Many councils are also tightening their HMO licensing, with many smaller properties previously not subject to an HMO licence now requiring one. This is in addition to breaches of HMO management, such as failing to comply with an improvement notice or contravening an overcrowding notice. Renting out an unlicensed HMO could result in an unlimited fine.
For more information on how we can assist you on your lettings journey, please contact one of our branches in Seaford, Peacehaven, and Newhaven areas. If you would like further guidance on any part of the sales process, get in touch with us today.