Hackney Council has fined a private landlord £30,000 for failing to address fire safety concerns, marking the start of a zero-tolerance approach to rogue landlords. The penalty was announced as the council increases its enforcement team by more than 50 officers to take action against substandard conditions.
Council ramps up enforcement
Due to changes to the Renters' Rights Act and its new landlord licensing scheme, the council has changed its approach to targeting landlords who do not fulfil their requirements. The fine comes as part of a crackdown on those who rent out properties without meeting their duties.
Zoë Garbett, Mayor of Hackney, said: “Landlords are putting profit before people. Too many renters pay eye-watering sums, only to live in unsafe homes.
Average rents in Hackney
“This has got to stop. From this month, we’re ramping up our inspections and seeking the biggest fines and strongest possible penalties for the worst private landlords in Hackney. It’s time our justice system was made to work for us.”
The average monthly private rent in Hackney was £2,658 in August 2026. This was an increase from £2,566 in August 2025, a 3.6% rise according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The average rent for a one-bedroom was £2,001, a two-bedroom £2,489, and a three-bedroom £2,846.
New licensing measures
The new landlord licensing measures, introduced earlier this year, will allow council officers to inspect properties and crack down on hidden exploitation in the private sector, MyLondon report. Hackney Council is encouraging private renters to know their rights and to report their property to the council if it is in disrepair.
Cllr Dylan Law, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Safer Homes & Housing Services, said: “The worst landlords are also exploiting the benefits system - with billions transferred directly from the government to private landlords, forcing renters into terrible conditions.
“The work starts now to ensure that every resident in Hackney has a right to a safe, decent home; we will not accept anything less.”
Renters Rights Act reforms
The Renters Rights Act also contains sweeping reforms, including a landmark ban on Section 21 notices, preventing people from being kicked out of their homes without a reason. The practice, which allowed landlords to turf out their tenants on a whim, is one of the leading causes of homelessness.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed told the Mirror back in April: “The Renters Rights Act is going to be the biggest increase in rights for people who rent their home that we've seen in this country in a generation. Renting your home has been far too insecure, so it puts security back for people.”
Campaigners said the legislation has "dragged our archaic rental system into the 21st century". Under the new laws fixed contracts have been axed so renters can end any tenancy with two months’ notice.
