"Right to Rent compliance has long been a legal requirement, but these figures show the financial consequences of getting it wrong are now far greater"
- Tim Barnett - Credas Technologies
Fines for Right to Rent breaches have soared across the UK, with over £4.2 million in penalties issued since late 2024 — a sevenfold increase on the previous period — as authorities intensify compliance efforts and manual ID checks continue to leave landlords exposed.
Home Office data shows penalties have climbed sharply, rising from £596,400 in the preceding period to more than £4.2 million since late 2024. The number of civil penalties issued has also increased, from 235 in the previous year to over 375 during the same timeframe. The figures reflect a clear escalation in enforcement under the new government, with landlords and letting agents facing closer scrutiny for tenant verification failures.
The Right to Rent scheme, introduced to prevent individuals without legal immigration status from accessing private rented accommodation, requires landlords and letting agents to verify a tenant’s eligibility before granting a tenancy. Non-compliance can result in substantial civil penalties and, in more serious cases, criminal sanctions.
“The latest data shows that enforcement is not just tightening, it’s accelerating,” said Tim Barnett, CEO of Credas Technologies. “Right to Rent compliance has long been a legal requirement, but these figures show the financial consequences of getting it wrong are now far greater. Many landlords and agents still rely on outdated manual checks, which are vulnerable to error and oversight. It’s crucial the sector embraces secure digital verification processes to protect themselves and ensure compliance."
“As fines continue to rise, Credas warns that compliance should be seen as a core business risk rather than an administrative burden, urging landlords and letting agents to ensure their verification processes are both robust and up to date."
“The direction of travel is clear,” Barnett added. “Enforcement is becoming more data-driven, more consistent, and more costly for those who fail to keep pace. Digital verification tools can make compliance faster, more secure, and less risky for everyone involved.”
