People are being cautioned about ten laws they could unknowingly break in their homes, potentially without even realising. Recent data has highlighted the everyday laws homeowners inadvertently violate, which could result in fines totalling a staggering £44,100.
There are many well-known laws, such as being drunk or disorderly in a public place and obstructing the police. However, few people know about the other laws that exist when going about daily life at home.
If you thought receiving a bill for thousands of pounds due to a minor error was alarming, consider this: failing to follow these regulations could result in a prison term of up to a year or fines that could soar to £15,000. Here’s a look at 10 of the most common laws you might unwittingly break at home.
1. Leaky tap: £1,000 fine
Not fixing a leaky tap could land you a £1,000 fine. According to The Water Industry Act 1999, failing to repair it could result in a £1,000 fine. The act stipulates that homeowners must fix any leaky taps within a ‘reasonable amount of time’, with The Office of Water Services (Ofwat) suggesting that water undertakers should expect homeowners to repair leaky taps within 24 hours of becoming aware of them.
Chris Guilfoyle, Managing Director of Greywater Drainage Solutions, commented: “It’s interesting that the majority of the population do in fact appear to not be aware of such laws and the typical leaks that we fix are not recent occurrences.
“In fact I would estimate that 70% of leaks that we attend and repair have been ongoing for months, perhaps even years, due to the level of scale and corrosion to the surrounding areas this is a tell-tale sign. When considering your leaking taps, don’t forget to check the pipework and valves under your sink as these are guaranteed to damage surrounding areas”.
2. Untidy garden: £500 fine
An untidy garden could land you with a £500 fine. A messy garden can attract pests and vermin and could even pose a fire risk. Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, homeowners must keep their gardens in good condition, or they could face a fine of up to £500.
3. Unclear house number: £500 fine
Not displaying your house number clearly could also result in a £500 fine. According to the Street Naming and Numbering (England) Regulations 1999, homeowners must display their house number clearly, as it is crucial for delivery staff and emergency responders to find properties quickly and effectively.
House numbers should be placed in a visible location from the street and made of a durable material at least three inches high. Otherwise, homeowners could be hit with a penalty notice.
4. Overflowing or broken bin: £500 fine
Overflowing bins can be a frequent issue, particularly for large families. Under The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, homeowners are required to keep their bins from overflowing and ensure they’re not damaged or risk getting hit with a £500 penalty.
Specific regulations may vary depending on the local authority. If you need a new bin from your council, bear in mind it could take more than two weeks to arrive, so it is best to act swiftly at the first sign of even a small crack.
5. Poorly kept gutters: £5,000 fine
Not looking after your gutters and drains could cost you – up to a startling £5,000 fine. The Building Act 1984 obliges homeowners to keep their gutters and drains well-maintained, meaning if yours are brimming over, blocked, or busted, it could cause quite a dent in your wallet.
It’s suggested that gutters should be cleaned out regularly, especially during Autumn when leaves abound. However, the exact fine for neglect in this area isn’t clearly defined by law but is determined by your local council, which can impose charges ranging from £50 to £5,000 in certain areas.
Chris Guilfoyle, from a drainage company that frequently deals with guttering clearance and repairs, said: “Over the years, we’ve witnessed a growing demand for professional gutter cleaning services as homeowners increasingly prioritise safety and reliability over tackling this task themselves.
“Unfortunately, gutter maintenance often falls by the wayside, and when we finally step in, the gutters often require access through platforms or scaffolding. Regular maintenance can help homeowners avoid more significant expenses, thanks to innovative solutions like gutter vacuums, which are accessible to homeowners.
“However, a common challenge arises when considering where to store these extension poles when they’re not in use. Often, it’s more convenient to enlist the services of a local firm before gutter issues escalate.
“Of course, heightened concern arises in areas near trees and nesting bird populations, as this elevates the risk of leaves accumulating, nests forming, and the growth of moss and other debris on your roof. If these issues become visible, it’s highly likely they’ve also made their way into your gutters.”
6. Blocking neighbour’s driveway: £100 fine
Parking in front of your neighbour’s driveway could land you with a £100 fine. The Highway Code is clear on the matter, with Rule 243 stating: “Do not stop or park in front of an entrance to a property “. So, if you find a note from an annoyed neighbour on your windshield, it might be a hint to park elsewhere and dodge a hefty fine.
7. Not disposing of TV correctly – £5,000 fine
For those thinking about disposing of their old TV in the bin, think again. You could be hit with a staggering £5,000 fine for such an action. Tossing your TV into the bin could land you in hot water, as it’s against the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013.
If you’re caught throwing your television away with the regular rubbish, you might face a fine of up to £5,000. Plus, you may have to cover the costs of recycling the set.
8. Broken fence: £500 fine
If you’ve got a broken fence, watch out – you could be hit with a £500 fine. The Building Act 1984 requires that fences are kept in good repair under Section 38, which mandates: “Every owner of premises shall, so far as reasonably practicable, keep in repair and in good condition all buildings and fences on the premises”. While the act doesn’t specify the penalty, local councils can impose fines ranging from £50 to £500 for non-compliance.
9. Not servicing your log burner: £1,000 fine
Homeowners with log burners need to heed certain regulations. Under the DEFRA Clean Air Strategy, it’s mandatory to have your log burner checked and serviced annually by a professional. You must also use low-smoke wood fuel and fit a carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Ignoring these rules could mean facing a £1,000 fine.
10. Dangerous crack: £30,000 fine
If there’s a dangerous crack in your property, failing to fix it could result in a hefty £30,000 fine. If the building was to collapse, it could injure or even kill you.
The Housing Act 2004 mandates that homeowners should repair dangerous cracks. The penalty for not doing so is not explicitly stated in law and is determined by the local council. It can range from £50 to £30,000. However, this is only in the most extreme circumstances