A Chesterfield letting agent has been issued with two financial penalties totalling £8,652 following breaches of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. The total was reduced to £7,354.20 after the penalties were paid within the specified timeframe. The council has not named the agency.

The breaches came to light after tenants complained to the council’s private housing team about housing standards at a rented property shortly after moving in. During its investigation, the council discovered that the agent had issued a six-month fixed-term tenancy agreement, despite fixed-term assured tenancies being prevented under the Act.

The second penalty followed the council’s finding that, when the tenants expressed an intention to complain, they were told to leave the property. They were then moved into alternative accommodation owned by a different, unknown landlord.

Alongside the financial penalties, the council served an improvement notice to ensure the original property was brought up to the required letting standard.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We are committed to putting our communities first and making sure renters have the protection they need.

“That’s why before the new legislation came into force, our private sector housing team engaged with landlords and letting agents across the borough to make sure they understood the changes and what was expected of them.

“This case demonstrates that we will take action where landlords and agents fail to comply with their duties.

“We also hope it serves as a reminder to letting agents across Chesterfield to ensure they fully understand the recent changes to the law and their responsibilities.”