A survey of lettings professionals reports that the Renters Rights Act has significantly increased administrative workload, with most respondents citing compliance and record keeping as the main pressure point. The findings also suggest that fragmented technology and manual data handling are making it harder for firms to manage tenancy processes efficiently.
A survey of lettings professionals reports that the Renters Rights Act has significantly increased administrative workload, with compliance and record keeping identified as the main pressure point. Respondents also highlighted fragmented technology, more manual data handling, and concerns about keeping up with compliance while maintaining profitability.
The article reports that The Letting Partnership believes tenancy deposit reform in England and Wales is overlooking the issue of dormant or unclaimed deposits, which it estimates could total around £750 million. It notes that Scotland already has legislation for dormant tenancy deposits and suggests England and Wales could adopt a similar framework to improve transparency and governance.
The article reports that an anti-money laundering safety net was implemented ahead of schedule, being completed in four months rather than the planned six. No further operational details are provided in the excerpt.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s annual review found that most solicitors are keeping their knowledge and skills current, with firms generally showing robust systems to support competence. However, the SRA identified gaps in recording how learning needs are identified, limited evidence of ethics-focused training, and some weaknesses in client communication around risks, options and costs.
The Environment Agency has updated its low risk waste positions for certain animal and animal waste activities, including withdrawals, replacements and a minor clarification to one position. The guidance emphasises that operators must check whether an LRWP remains in force and comply with any conditions, including where regulatory position statements now apply.
The Land Registry has updated Practice Guide 67 to clarify when evidence of identity is required and how it should be provided. The amendment specifically states that identity evidence is required for the person or company on whose behalf the excepted party acts.
Haringey Council publicised a Rent Repayment Order after a First-tier Tribunal found a landlord had operated an unlicensed HMO and ordered repayment of £7,884.84 plus fees. The case arose from reports of mould, fire hazards and a collapsed ceiling, and the Tribunal noted a previous RRO involving another property, suggesting repeated non-compliance.
The government has announced a new supported scheme intended to help consumers identify trusted builders and reduce losses from rogue operators. The measures include an Approved Code for higher standards of service, transparency and dispute resolution, plus milestone-based payment protections during building projects.
The Environment Agency has issued a Regulatory Position Statement (RPS 377) covering large producers that stop performing producer functions and the related requirement to register and report data. It confirms that the underlying legal obligations remain in place, but the regulator will not normally take enforcement action where the RPS conditions are met.
