In the past month (October) agents and landlords caught red-handed and fined for not being compliant with London council’s regulations have soared dramatically- alongside boroughs’ coffers.

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The latest research by a PropTech firm shows that over the last four months landlords and lettings agents total fines amount to £600,000 across London.

In October alone there was a massive £372,874 increase in fines.

The PropTech company researches the Mayor of London’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker and reported that between May and July this year, there was a 532 per cent surge in fines as local councils rapidly increased their enforcement activity.

The firm now claims that in less than twelve months total fines levied on agents and landlords have shot up by more than a million pounds and since the beginning of the year there was an average monthly increase of £89,670.

Top of the pro-active councils for levying the number of fines is Camden with the Newham and Southwark close behind. However LBHF (London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham) is the authority that claims first place with the highest average fines of £19,800, runner up is Hillingdon with an average of £13,500 and Hackney with £11,250.

Chief executive Orla Shields says: “The lettings market is more regulated than ever before. Licensing schemes, fines and enforcement through Rent Repayment Orders are all increasing, so it’s vital agents act to protect themselves, their landlords and of course their tenants.”