A property compliance consultant has sounded the alarm on the growing financial risks for landlords who fall foul of local licensing rules — sometimes for what seem like simple mistakes.

What’s Happening?

Phil Turtle of Landlord Licensing & Defence highlights that local authorities are increasingly enforcing selective licensing schemes with rigorous penalties. A single missed deadline or oversight can now cost landlords tens — or even hundreds — of thousands of pounds.

Key Cases

• In Waltham Forest, a landlord was fined £66,000 for failing to license a home converted into two flats:

  • £16,500 per flat to the landlord’s limited company

  • Another £16,500 per flat personally, as sole director

• In another case, a landlord received £105,000 in fines for:

  • Letting an HMO licence lapse

  • Failing HMO management duties and electrical safety requirements

  • Council action was triggered after an 18-month lapse went unnoticed while the landlord was abroad

“This isn’t scaremongering,” says Turtle. “It’s the legal reality. Enforcement is sharp, and councils are no longer lenient.”

The Risk of ‘Double Jeopardy’

Landlords operating via limited companies face double penalties — one fine for the company and one for themselves if named as directors. A £105,000 fine can double to £210,000.

What Landlords Must Do

• Track licensing deadlines rigorously

• Maintain up-to-date compliance documentation (e.g. gas, electrical, EPC certificates)

• Conduct and document inspections regularly

• Don’t assume leniency — councils are well-funded and proactive

• For HMOs and properties in selective licensing zones, licensing is legally mandatory

Final Message

“Compliance is non-negotiable. One missed renewal can cost you your livelihood,” warns Turtle.

Landlords are urged to treat licensing as a core part of property management, not an afterthought.