The article reports that Shelter and Generation Rent have welcomed the launch of a private rental database under the second phase of Renters Rights Act implementation. The database will require landlords of assured or regulated tenancies to register themselves and each property, with information including tenancy details, rents, safety certificates and EPC data.
The NRLA has responded cautiously to the government’s planned private rental database under the Renters Rights Act, welcoming the timetable but warning that the system may become a basic directory unless it is designed as a genuine compliance tool. The database will require landlords of assured or regulated tenancies to register themselves and each property, with details including tenancy, rental, gas, electrical and EPC information. The article also notes that HMRC’s Valuation Office will take responsibility for determining challenges to rent increases in England, while the First-tier Tribunal remains the route for current challenges during the transition.
The government has announced the outline of a new national landlord registration service for the private rented sector, with a regional rollout due to begin in December. It also plans to transfer initial rent-increase challenge decisions in England to HMRC’s Valuation Office, while the First-tier Tribunal remains the route for current disputes during the transition.
The article explains that lawful basis for processing personal data is determined once per purpose, not re-established for every AI interaction. It argues that firms should focus on documenting approved AI use and maintaining records that evidence accountability, vendor control and data flow, rather than treating each AI action as a separate compliance event.
The government has indicated that the Financial Conduct Authority will begin taking on anti-money laundering supervision for professional services firms by the end of 2028, with full onboarding expected by mid-2030. The transition is intended to be phased, risk-based and supported by consultation on the future fee model, while existing supervisors remain in place until the FCA assumes responsibility.
Propertymark is calling for clearer government guidance on how tenants can challenge rent increases under the Renters Rights Act, particularly around the First-tier Tribunal process. The article says rent increases are now governed by Section 13 of the Act, and that better guidance, forms and tribunal support are needed to reduce confusion for tenants, landlords and agents.
The article reports on a London protest led by Jeremy Corbyn calling for the introduction of rent controls in the private rented sector and for future council homes. Speakers argued that current protections under the Renters Rights Act are insufficient to prevent large rent increases and called for wider housing reform and more council house investment.
A senior lettings figure has backed the government’s proposed private rental sector database, arguing it should improve transparency, standards and tenant protection despite adding cost and administration for landlords. The article also notes that HMRC’s Valuation Office is set to handle challenges to rent increases in England, with current disputes still going to the First-tier Tribunal while the reforms are developed.
A leading lettings industry figure has backed the government’s proposed rental database, saying it could improve transparency and help tenants confirm that landlords are legitimate and compliant. However, she warns that the scheme’s success will depend on practical detail, including how agents can support landlords, how much manual input is required, and what information will be visible or kept private.
The article reports that Sean Hooker of the Property Redress Scheme has welcomed the launch of a compulsory private rental database for landlords. The scheme will require landlords to register and provide property, tenancy, rental, safety and EPC information, with phased regional rollout intended to improve transparency and compliance.
Glenigan’s September 2026 Construction Index shows residential construction starts fell sharply in the three months to the end of August, with private housing and social housing both down significantly year on year. The article says developers are reassessing site viability amid weak sales, higher build costs and the impending building safety levy, while non-residential activity is performing better.
The article reports that national rental growth in England has remained broadly unchanged since the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, but growth has accelerated in more than half of England’s regions. London and several northern regions have seen stronger increases, while some other regions have stagnated or slowed.
