Private landlords fined £75,000 by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council in last two years
Council enforces new powers against landlords for safety breaches
Private landlords in Reigate and Banstead have faced financial penalties totaling nearly £75,000 over the last two years due to safety breaches and illegal evictions.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council released figures following inquiries about enforcement levels in the borough.
The figures coincide with the government's introduction of new powers allowing local authorities to impose fines up to £7,000 for serious hazards found in rental properties. Additionally, fines of up to £40,000 can be levied for illegal evictions and breaches related to multiple occupancies.
In May, the council imposed a £9,000 fine on a landlord in Horley.
Environmental health officers discovered the landlord was renting a flat to vulnerable elderly individuals without sufficient fire safety measures and evicting them following their complaints about safety.
Councillor Neha Boghani (Green Party: Horley East and Salfords) raised questions at the July 22nd meeting of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council concerning the extent of enforcement actions against landlords.
She queried how many civil penalties were issued and the total revenue collected.
Councillor Kate Fairhurst, responsible for place, planning, and regulatory services, detailed the enforcement actions taken.
For the financial year 2024/2025, the council issued 17 civil penalties amounting to £51,964, with £43,456 recovered. Unsettled debts from one case resulted in debt recovery proceedings and a county court judgment application.
In the financial year 2025/2026, seven penalties were issued, totaling £30,515, and £14,015 has been recovered to date.
Two cases are undergoing appeals, while a third has initiated debt recovery measures and applied for a county court judgement.
The council has endorsed the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, supporting its efforts to address negligent practices among landlords. Councillor Kate Fairhurst stated that compliance with the new legislation is essential for landlords.