Dangerous Homes Are a Safeguarding Issue: What the New £7,000 Landlord Fines Mean for Protecting Vulnerable People

The Government has announced a significant step forward in improving housing safety, introducing new powers that allow councils to issue fines of up to £7,000 to landlords who fail to address serious hazards within rented properties. The changes came into force on 22 June 2026 and form part of the wider Renters' Rights Act reforms aimed at improving standards across the private rented sector.

Under the new measures, councils can take action where landlords fail to address the most serious housing hazards, including damp and mould, faulty electrics, fire risks, structural defects, freezing conditions, and unsafe layouts. These hazards are classified as Category 1 risks under the updated Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which has itself undergone its first major update in 20 years.

While much of the media attention has focused on landlord accountability and tenant rights, there is another important conversation that needs to take place.

This is not just a housing issue.

It is a safeguarding issue.

Why Housing Conditions Matter in Safeguarding

The environments in which people live can have a profound impact on their safety, health, wellbeing, and ability to thrive.

Poor housing conditions are frequently linked to safeguarding concerns involving:

• Children and young people

• Older adults

• People with disabilities

• Individuals experiencing mental ill-health

• Victims of domestic abuse

• Adults with care and support needs

Professionals working in safeguarding often encounter cases where unsafe housing acts as a contributing factor to neglect, exploitation, deteriorating health, social isolation, or family stress.

For example, persistent damp and mould can exacerbate respiratory illnesses in children and older adults. Unsafe electrics and fire hazards increase the risk of serious injury or death. Overcrowded or poorly maintained accommodation can contribute to mental health difficulties, family conflict, and increased vulnerability to abuse.

When we talk about safeguarding, we often focus on people and behaviours. However, safeguarding is equally about environments.

A child cannot feel safe in a home that is making them ill.

An older adult cannot live independently if their property presents daily risks to their wellbeing.

A tenant at risk cannot recover or thrive if they are living in conditions that continue to cause harm.

A Positive Step – But Enforcement Will Be Key

The introduction of stronger financial penalties sends a clear message that unsafe housing should not be tolerated. The Government estimates that around 10% of privately rented homes currently contain at least one serious health and safety hazard.

However, legislation alone does not protect people.

Protection comes through effective implementation and enforcement.

Previous reporting has highlighted concerns around inconsistent enforcement activity across England, with many councils facing significant pressures on resources and housing enforcement capacity.

For these reforms to deliver meaningful change, local authorities must have both the confidence and the resources to act swiftly when serious hazards are identified.

Our Perspective

At RLB, we often talk about safeguarding being everyone's responsibility. This includes housing providers, landlords, local authorities, social care professionals, healthcare practitioners, charities, employers, and community organisations.

Too often, housing issues are viewed solely through the lens of property management or compliance. Yet many safeguarding reviews repeatedly identify poor living conditions as a factor that increased vulnerability or contributed to harm.

The question organisations should be asking is not simply:

"Is this property compliant?"

But:

"Is this environment safe, healthy, and supportive for the people living there?"

A truly safeguarding-focused approach looks beyond minimum standards and considers the lived experience of individuals.

When professionals are undertaking safeguarding assessments, welfare visits, audits, or quality assurance activities, housing conditions should form part of the conversation.

Because safeguarding is not just about responding when harm occurs.

It is about recognising risk early and creating environments where people can live safely, with dignity and respect.

Looking Ahead

The new £7,000 fines represent another important step towards improving standards within the private rented sector and strengthening accountability where serious hazards exist. For safeguarding professionals, the announcement serves as a timely reminder that the places where people live matter.

Safe housing is not simply a housing outcome. It is a safeguarding outcome.

RLB continue to work with the housing sector to educate professionals and support them in their vision to ensure homes are safe, healthy, and free from preventable hazards, and together we can create stronger foundations for individuals, families, and communities to thrive.

Resources

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Draft statutory Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) operating and enforcement guidance

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS): Enforcement Guidance