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Written by Matchouse
Read more about our contributorKey Facts
- Local councils issued over £7 million in landlord fines in 2024 alone
- Missing EPCs and unlicensed properties are among the most common violations
- Listing incorrect or misleading information can result in up to £5,000 in penalties
- Landlords must follow strict rules on disclosures, safety, and licensing
- Enforcement action can happen from a single tenant or competitor report
🧠 Introduction
Think your property listing is just a few photos and a price? Think again.
In the UK, publishing a rental or sale listing without meeting compliance rules can land you with a serious fine. Many landlords and agents unknowingly break the law by skipping essential documents, exaggerating features, or forgetting local licensing.
Let’s break down the hidden legal risks and what you need to check before your listing goes live.
1. Common Legal Mistakes in Property Listings
Here are the most common ways property listings violate UK regulations:
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Fine or Risk |
|---|---|---|
| No EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) | EPC is a legal requirement for advertising a property | Up to £5,000 fine |
| Missing landlord license (HMO/selective) | Licensing varies by council, but is mandatory in many cases | Civil penalty or prosecution |
| Exaggerated claims (e.g. “2 bed” when it’s 1.5) | Misrepresentation under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations | Up to £5,000 fine |
| No mention of deposit protection | Misleading tenants about legal rights | Deposit refund + fine |
| No gas safety certificate (for active tenancies) | Illegal to rent without valid GSC | Up to £6,000 fine |
| Poor photo representation | Can lead to misrepresentation claims | Risk of compensation claims |
Disclaimer: Even if your agent uploads the listing, you as the landlord are still legally responsible for its accuracy and compliance.
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2. Real-World Examples of Fines and Penalties
Local councils across the UK are actively fining landlords and agents for non-compliant listings. Here are just a few real cases:
| Location | Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Newham, London | Letting HMO without license | £15,000 fine |
| Manchester | Listing without EPC | £1,500 fine |
| Birmingham | False “2-bed” claim in listing | £3,000 fine for misrepresentation |
| Bristol | No smoke alarm disclosure | Warning + re-inspection cost |
Note: These fines can be issued without court hearings under civil penalty rules. You may also be blacklisted as a rogue landlord.
3. How to Check If Your Property Listing Is Legal
Here’s a quick self-audit before publishing or renewing your listing:
- ✅ Is your EPC certificate valid and clearly shown in the listing?
- ✅ Have you checked if your property needs a license under your local council rules?
- ✅ Are your bedroom counts and floorplans accurate?
- ✅ Have you disclosed any safety features (e.g. smoke alarms, gas safety)?
- ✅ Is your tenancy type, deposit scheme, and fees clearly described?
Important: Use government registers to check EPC status, licensing zones, and landlord regulations in your area.
Final Thoughts: Get Your Property Compliant Before Someone Else Reports It
Fines don’t just happen when tenants complain. Competitors, neighbours, or even automated systems can flag your listing if it’s non-compliant.
Double-check your details, fix the small stuff, and protect yourself from big penalties before you hit publish.
Meet the people behind our content
Written by Matchouse
Connecting people with properties and professionals