Paragon Bank research suggests that many HMOs are already performing well on energy efficiency, with 66% of surveyed properties rated EPC A to C and none in the lowest F or G bands. The article also notes that more than a quarter of landlords have accelerated improvements in anticipation of proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards requiring EPC band C by 2030.
SpareRoom reports that room rental supply in inner London fell by 5% in Q2 2026, marking the first negative growth after a three-year period of expansion. The article links the decline to the Renters Rights Act coming into effect and notes that supply is now falling across most of London, with the sharpest drops in north-west and south-west areas.
Labour’s Greater Manchester mayoral candidate Bev Craig has set out a housing platform focused on tighter controls in the private rented sector. Her proposals include expanding Article 4 Directions for HMOs, strengthening the Good Landlord Charter, linking local funding for retrofitting to charter compliance, and exploring rent caps or controls through a new commission.
Florence Eshalomi has been appointed a minister in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government after previously chairing the housing select committee. The article indicates she has consistently argued for tougher private rented sector regulation, including stronger enforcement of the Renters Rights Act, earlier adoption of the Decent Homes Standard, and faster implementation of Awaab’s Law and the Private Rented Sector Database.
Rightmove data indicates a sharp fall in searches for pet-friendly rental homes after the Renters Rights Act came into force in May. The article highlights that while landlords in England must consider pet requests fairly, they can still refuse where there is a valid reason, and misunderstandings appear to be affecting tenant behaviour.
A city council has begun enforcement action to remove letting boards after a court appeal against the crackdown was dismissed. The council said the boards had become a persistent feature of residential streets, contributing to visual blight and concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in areas with a high concentration of student and privately rented housing.
Tenant campaign groups are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce rent controls, including an emergency freeze on private rents, amid claims that affordability pressures are worsening. The article says Burnham had recently indicated he was considering rent controls as a short-term measure, but reports over the weekend suggested his team may now be discounting the idea.
Handelsbanken’s 2026 Property Investor Report says higher operating, compliance and upgrade costs are prompting many landlords to tighten tenant selection and, in some cases, raise rents earlier than planned. The report also suggests some investors are selling or removing properties from the rental market, while others continue to expect portfolio growth and rising values.
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.
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.
Safeagent has welcomed Andy Burnham’s premiership, citing his previous involvement in the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter and his stated interest in a fair private rented sector. The NRLA has also offered a cautious welcome, while flagging likely disagreement over rent controls and landlord licensing.
The government has launched a data-sharing partnership with Airbnb and Birmingham City Council to identify and remove illegal short lets linked to tenancy fraud in social housing. Early checks have already identified potential cases, with the initiative aimed at recovering properties for households in genuine need.
