The government has issued an updated guide to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) for landlords and agents in England. The revisions simplify hazard categories, introduce baseline indicators, and update assessment and enforcement guidance, including civil penalties for non-compliance from 1 May 2026.
Propertymark has responded to two council consultations on proposed licensing and enforcement schemes, supporting action against negligent agents but arguing that enforcement should prioritise compliance improvement over revenue collection. It raised concerns about penalty levels, proportionality, and the need for clearer, plain-English guidance for landlords, agents and tenants.
Two rental market analyses indicate that UK rents are continuing to rise, with HomeLet reporting annual growth of 4.1% in August 2026 and Zoopla pointing to tightening supply and stronger demand. The data suggests further rent increases are likely over the coming months, with London remaining the most expensive and one of the fastest-growing markets.
A lettings agency owner has been jailed after using his business to facilitate a large-scale cannabis cultivation and money laundering operation across rented properties. The case involved fraudulent tenancy agreements, specialist equipment, meter bypassing and significant damage to multiple homes, with enforcement action at 20 properties in Luton and Milton Keynes.
Chestertons reports that London rental demand strengthened in August, with tenant enquiries up 13% year-on-year and new landlord instructions rising around 6%. The agency says some landlords had tested higher rents before the Renters Rights Act took effect, and that the market is now adjusting to the new rules, including restrictions on bidding above advertised rent.
The government has announced plans for HMRC’s Valuation Office Agency to take on initial decisions for rent increase challenges in England, replacing the current first step of applying to the First-tier Tribunal. However, the timing is uncertain because the change may need further legislation and will not take effect until a new service is developed.
Ministry of Justice tribunal data shows a sharp increase in property-related hearings, with 15,929 cases heard in the year to June 2026, up 24% on the previous year. The rise is concentrated in disputes likely linked to the private rented sector and leasehold homes, with the article pointing to the early impact of Renters Rights Act reforms.
Propertymark’s latest rental market snapshot shows rents falling in some regions, including the South East, London and Scotland, while most other UK regions recorded modest increases. Despite some monthly easing, affordability remains stretched, with London still requiring the highest representative salary to secure an average rental property.
The UK government plans a regional rollout of a new Private Rented Sector database in England from late 2026, requiring landlords of assured or regulated tenancies to register themselves and each property. The service will collect tenancy, property, and compliance information, including gas and electrical safety certificates and EPC data, with annual renewal fees and penalties for non-registration.
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.
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.
