The Building Safety Regulator has issued an urgent heat-stress warning for health and care settings, highlighting the increased risk when staff wear PPE in very hot conditions. It advises employers to assess overheating risks, improve ventilation and other environmental controls, and ensure staff have adequate breaks, hydration, and PPE supplies.
Three London councils have launched a legal challenge over the Mayor of London’s decision to reduce the affordable housing quota, arguing that the change was made without proper consultation. The dispute centres on the process used to alter housing policy rather than on a specific development scheme.
The article argues that professional lettings agents add value beyond tenant finding, particularly through compliance support, risk reduction and ongoing property management. It highlights five common misconceptions about lettings agency services and says regulatory change is driving more landlords toward fully managed arrangements.
Pegasus Insight research suggests landlords expect to spend an average of £11,713 per property to reach the proposed EPC C standard, with many seeking savings, borrowing or grant support to fund the work. The findings indicate that financing energy-efficiency upgrades may be a key factor in whether landlords proceed with improvements, pass costs on through rents, or leave the sector.
Medway council has fined Homelet PMS Ltd £15,000 after finding the letting agent was not a member of an approved Client Money Protection scheme while handling client money. The case followed a routine inspection, repeated attempts to secure compliance, and ultimately civil debt recovery before the penalty was paid in full.
Propertymark has criticised a new Right To Rent code of practice for being overly complex and difficult for agents and landlords to use in day-to-day tenancy work. It argues that clearer visual tools, shorter guidance and better digital support are needed to reduce mistakes and the risk of unlawful discrimination.
The article reports support from Lloyds Living for the government’s proposed housing market reforms, which focus on digitising the homebuying process, introducing upfront sales packs, and creating earlier binding agreements. It also highlights planned changes such as a new code of practice for estate agents, mandatory qualifications, and greater use of digital identity checks, e-signatures and AI-assisted conveyancing.
The article argues that Renters Rights Act measures restricting rent paid in advance may make it harder for some prospective tenants to pass affordability checks, particularly self-employed workers, zero-hours workers and those with irregular income. It also notes that landlords still need affordability evidence for insurance purposes and suggests alternative ways tenants can reassure landlords, including guarantors and proof of capital.
Propertymark says it will work with the new Prime Minister to keep housing reforms moving, highlighting the Renters’ Rights Act, plans for 1.5 million new homes and further changes to the home buying and selling process. The article also reports market commentary warning that political uncertainty could slow activity as buyers, sellers and investors wait for clearer policy direction.
Police and partner agencies have obtained a three-month partial closure order on a private rental flat in Scarborough after repeated reports of crime and anti-social behaviour. The order restricts access to the property, with only professionals, the landlord and a named person permitted entry while investigations continue.
The Housing Ombudsman found severe maladministration by Plexus after a family, including a young child and disabled partner, was moved into a property with unresolved damp and mould issues. In response, Plexus has overhauled its voids process, strengthened repairs governance, and introduced additional checks, record-keeping and staff training.
The government has published a roadmap for reforming the home buying and selling process following consultations, with plans for upfront sales packs, digital logbooks, and binding conditional contracts. The programme will be phased, with non-statutory guidance and codes of practice coming first, followed by legislation later in the parliament when time allows.
