Zurich UK reports a sharp rise in suspected or identified cannabis farm attendances by fire and rescue services, with incidents reaching a record level in 2024 and remaining high in 2025. The insurer says the associated claims can involve fire, electrical alterations, water damage, damp and mould, and structural changes, creating substantial reinstatement costs for landlords.
North Tyneside Council is consulting on proposals to require planning permission for future small HMO conversions in selected areas. The change is intended to give the council greater control over HMO concentrations and assess the local impact of new conversions on a case-by-case basis.
The article reports that, four months after the Renters Rights Act came into force, letting agents are seeing landlords become more cautious about tenant selection. The main drivers cited are reduced confidence in the courts, concerns about possession under the new regime, and the removal of Section 21, with many agents also reporting falling rental supply as landlords sell properties.
The article reports that fires caused by faulty electrical installations in England have reached a 16-year high, rising to 2,575 in the year ending March 2026 despite overall fire numbers falling. It highlights concerns about ageing or untested fixed wiring and argues that Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) are an important preventative measure, particularly in rented housing.
Generation Rent says the planned landlord database does not go far enough and has identified several gaps, including the absence of eviction notice records, enforcement history, deposit protection details and accessibility information. The database is due to roll out regionally from late this year to autumn 2027, and the group is pressing for broader tenant-facing information and stronger transparency.
Bolsover Council is hosting the East Midlands Housing Conference 2026 to help landlords, letting agents and housing professionals understand the practical implications of the Renters Rights Act. The event will feature legal and sector experts delivering keynote talks and workshops focused on preparing for the reforms.
Bristol council has issued its first civil penalty notice under a strengthened enforcement policy, fining a portfolio landlord £13,090 for an alleged failure to licence an HMO under the city’s additional licensing scheme. The case illustrates how councils can now use higher civil penalties for housing-related offences, with the landlord also facing the possibility of a Rent Repayment Order and a tribunal appeal if the notice is finalised.
Southampton Council says it is investigating 30 private rental sector cases and expects to issue significant civil penalties over the next three to six months under new Renters Rights Act powers. The authority has also received additional government funding and is using multiple data sources, including licensing records and HM Land Registry data, to identify potential enforcement targets.
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.
The article reports that landlords are facing rising eviction costs and delays as tenants increasingly challenge possession claims under the Renters Rights Act. It links this to wider pressure in the private rented sector, including landlords selling up, higher financing and compliance costs, and a growing court backlog.
Blackburn and Darwen Council says it will use strengthened enforcement powers to take tougher action against rogue landlords, including fines and faster court action where legal obligations are not met. The council links the crackdown to the Renters Rights Act and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, with officers continuing to inspect properties following complaints.
Wiltshire Council is launching a quarterly online landlord forum, with the first session focused on Phase 2 of the Renters Rights Act. The event will cover forthcoming legislative changes, landlord responsibilities, and practical steps for compliance, including the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and Private Landlord Database.
