HM Land Registry data shows SDLT-related requisitions remain a recurring source of registration delay, with 39,967 unique requisition numbers recorded in the year ending 2025. The article highlights that many issues arise from missing or inconsistent SDLT evidence and supporting documentation rather than the tax calculation itself.
Chestertons is urging the lettings sector to strengthen tenant referencing and carry out ongoing tenancy checks to reduce the risk of fraud. The article cites fake IDs, forged references and falsified bank statements as methods used to obtain rentals, with some landlords then facing rent loss, property damage and lengthy possession processes.
Swindon Council is urging landlords and property owners in the town centre to improve the external condition of their buildings and surrounding areas ahead of a targeted clean-up effort in late August. The council says it may consider formal enforcement action where properties continue to negatively affect the local environment.
A survey of 1,000 UK landlords by LegalforLandlords suggests tenant fraud is perceived to be rising, with 77% saying it has worsened over the past three years. Reported incidents include rent non-payment after misleading applications, criminal use of properties, unauthorised subletting, and false income or occupancy information, often resulting in significant financial losses.
The Environment Agency has published guidance on the general binding rules for small sewage discharges to ground from septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in England. The rules explain when a permit is not needed, when a permit or connection to the public foul sewer is required, and which system types and discharge arrangements are acceptable.
X-Press Legal Services has launched a new Leadership in Law CPD event aimed at conveyancing leaders, with the first session focusing on operational leadership, professional indemnity issues and team performance. The article also highlights growing compliance pressures in conveyancing, including AML checks, ID verification, source of funds scrutiny, leasehold reform, SDLT, Land Registry practice and fraud prevention.
The government is considering tighter verification requirements for letting agents seeking membership of redress and tenancy deposit protection schemes. The move follows concerns about fraudulent operators misusing legitimate schemes and comes alongside a wider review of regulation in the property agent sector.
Greenwich Council is consulting on a major expansion of its selective licensing scheme, with plans to extend coverage from five wards to up to 18 wards, potentially affecting around 70% of the borough. The council says the existing scheme has improved safety standards, reduced hazards and anti-social behaviour, and it has inspected 622 licensed properties and helped resolve 2,103 hazards since the start of 2025.
HMRC is reminding eligible tax advisers, including conveyancers who submit stamp duty returns for clients, to complete mandatory registration before 18 August 2026. The new regime is intended to improve transparency and may restrict advisers who fail to register from acting on behalf of clients, with potential financial penalties for non-compliance.
The Building Safety Regulator has warned main contractors that it will scrutinise how they oversee subcontractors on higher-risk building projects. The warning comes as projects progress from gateway two design approval towards gateway three, with the regulator expecting tighter management and control.
Hertsmere Council is consulting on updated amenity standards for HMOs, covering room sizes, communal facilities, refuse and recycling arrangements, garden upkeep and inspection frequency. The draft also reflects updated legislation and adds expectations around fire and gas safety precautions.
The article reports on Rent Smart Wales encouraging private landlords and letting agents to complete hate crime awareness training and to help tenants report hate crimes, with consent preferred but not required according to the excerpt. It frames this within the Welsh Government’s Anti-racism Wales Action Plan and associated support campaigns and training resources.
