According to geospatial technology firm, Kamma, this new figure represents an increase of £600,000 in the last four months and follows the firm Kamma reporting a 532% increase in fines between May and July as local authorities picked up the pace of enforcement efforts.
Now, in just under a year, the total fines for letting agents and landlords have increased by over a million pounds: from £6,052,932 in December 2020 to £7,128,973 at the start of November.
Since the start of this year, there has been an average increase of £89,670 in fines every month. Camden council tops the enforcement league table as the most active in terms of the number of fines, followed closely by Newham and Southwark.
Yet the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham is now the London borough with the highest average fines of £19,800, followed by Hillingdon with an average of £13,500, and Hackney with £11,250. With increases across the region, letting agents and landlords have to stay on top of their compliance.
Orla Shields, Kamma CEO, explained: “The lettings market is more regulated than ever before. Licensing schemes, fines and enforcement through Rent Repayment Orders are all increasing, so it’s vital Agents act to protect themselves, their landlords and of course their tenants.”
Letting agents and landlords stand to face fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance if failing to comply with safety and licensing regulations, and additional fines of up to £5,000 per property for non-compliance with MEES regulations.
