Spectacular Rise In Fines For Landlords from £80 to £1000 Per Illegal Immigrant Occupier

7th August 2023

Landlords will have fines hiked from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier for a first breach to up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier.

Landlords found to be hosting a lodger without lawful immigration status for the first time could be forced to pay £5,000 - a huge increase from the existing maximum fine of £80. If they are found to be accommodating multiple occupiers for the first time they could face a fine of £10,000 for each occupier, a sharp increase from the £1,000 maximum fine brought in when the civil penalties were introduced in 2014.

Employers will face initial fines of up to £45,000 for each worker without lawful immigration status under the new plans, up from £15,000. Before the new fines come into effect at the start of 2024, the Home Office will launch a consultation on actions that could be strengthened to deter licensed businesses from employing workers without lawful immigration status.

Checking the status of Employees and Prospective Tenants falls fully on employers and landlords. Failure to make appropriate checks could bankrupt the businesses. For example an illegal family of four might cost £40,000 in fines or for an employer four illegal workers might cost £180,000 in fines.

This is a very significant change as the government makes it more difficult for anyone assisting illegal immigrants.