The UK Government has updated guidance for social housing tenants in England explaining the possession process landlords must follow when seeking to recover a property. The update also notes related changes to private rented sector guidance, including removal of outdated references, revised fees, and links to the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service.
Preston Council is consulting on a selective licensing scheme covering three wards, with a proposed fee of £1,050 per property if approved. The council says the scheme is targeted at areas with higher levels of poor housing conditions, including damp and mould, excess cold, disrepair and Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
Commercial Trust reports that the share of buy-to-let mortgage applications for property purchases fell in Q2 2026, with landlords becoming more selective in response to the Renters Rights Act. While purchase activity declined, the average loan size increased and remortgaging made up a larger share of applications, suggesting landlords are adjusting finance rather than exiting the market.
Reigate and Banstead Council is consulting on an Article 4 Direction that would remove permitted development rights for future small HMO conversions, requiring full planning permission for homes converted to accommodate three to six residents. If approved, the restriction would not take effect until 30 July 2027, following consultation and government confirmation.
Basildon Borough Council has extended its housing repairs contract with Morgan Sindall Property Services for a further year at an additional cost of £1m, after previously signalling it would end the arrangement. The council says the extension was necessary to maintain continuity of service while it develops a longer-term delivery model, following criticism from the Regulator of Social Housing over safety and quality assurance failings.
Liverpool City Council is consulting on a new citywide selective licensing scheme to replace the current arrangement when it ends next March. The proposal includes 12 different fee levels, with charges of up to £995 per property, alongside proposed licence conditions, fees and discounts.
Paragon Bank research suggests that HMO landlords are investing in energy efficiency at a faster pace than the wider private rented sector. The article says 66% of surveyed HMOs already achieve EPC A to C, with no respondents reporting F or G ratings, and many landlords are acting ahead of proposed Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards changes.
Propertymark has responded to the government’s consultation on the proposed High Value Council Tax Surcharge, highlighting unresolved issues around valuation, liability, enforcement and administration. The body says the scheme could be difficult to implement fairly, particularly for rented homes and for properties that have not changed hands for many years.
Erewash Council prosecuted a landlord after he failed to provide requested documentation during an investigation into a five-bed HMO in Long Eaton. Derby Magistrates’ Court found he had breached obligations under the Housing Act 2004, resulting in fines and costs totalling £1,145.
The Regulator of Social Housing has published regulatory judgements finding serious failings at Aves Housing and YMCA Thames Gateway. Aves was found not to meet the Governance and Financial Viability Standard or the Rent Standard, while YMCA Thames Gateway was found to lack an up-to-date understanding of home condition and to have weaknesses in health and safety, repairs, liquidity and covenant compliance.
HMRC recovered £104m from voluntary landlord tax disclosures in 2025/26, the third straight year it has raised more than £100m through this route. The article says rising disclosure volumes, HMRC data-matching and recent tax rule changes are increasing compliance pressure on landlords, particularly those with modest or accidental rental income.
Two landlords operating in Norfolk have been fined more than £216,000 in total after council inspections found serious hazards in rented homes, including unsafe electrics, damp and mould, overcrowding and fire risks. Breckland Council said the action followed repeated non-compliance, including failures to carry out electrical safety checks and to comply with improvement notices.
