Geospatial technology company Kamma has released its annual 2022 report highlighting that 52 schemes and consultations were launched in 2022.

Kamma’s data shows that this is five more than the previous year, and almost 10 more than in 2020, highlighting the growing trend of yet more regulation targeting the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

Enforcement is also on the rise as councils are stepping up their enforcement efforts. Fines handed out to rogue landlords and letting agents averaged £90,000 per month in 2022. Over 12% of all fines in London were handed out in the last 12 months, an increase of over £1m since last December. August topped the chart as the most active month for fine activity. Fines totalling over £238,000 were handed out in the month alone.

It is not just total fines that are going up, average fines for letting agents have also increased to £4,695, an increase of over £200 pounds since 2021. 78% of all agent and landlord fines are related to management and licensing of houses and HMOs, which can be linked to the increase in both schemes and enforcement across London.  

Camden council has continued to top the council enforcement list in terms of number of cases brought forward, followed closely by Newham and Waltham Forest. 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.