The government’s impact assessment for extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies forecasts continued growth in England’s private rental sector, rising from 4.827 million households in 2026 to an estimated 5.378 million by 2035. It also notes uncertainty around landlord numbers due to limited recent data, while suggesting the sector may consolidate to support remediation work at scale.
A lettings agent in East Anglia has admitted 19 fraud offences after scamming landlords and tenants out of nearly £49,000 over a prolonged period. She received a suspended prison sentence and unpaid work, while police are pursuing confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seek compensation for victims.
The article reports that many landlords subject to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax do not understand when the rules apply to them, with awareness particularly weak among those due to join in later phases. It also highlights expectations of increased administrative burden and notes that Propertymark has encouraged letting agents to help landlords who are struggling with compliance.
safeagent has backed the proposed extension of Awaab’s Law into the private rented sector, while stressing that any new duties must be supported by effective enforcement. The government is also consulting on whether the law should apply to certain licence-based accommodation, including supported housing, temporary accommodation and care leaver accommodation.
The government has launched a consultation on extending a version of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, but many core details remain undecided. The consultation also asks whether the proposed rules should apply to certain licence-based accommodation, including supported housing, temporary accommodation and care leaver accommodation.
Exeter City Council is hosting a free Rent Smart Devon event at Exeter Racecourse for letting agents and landlords, focused on current issues in the private rental sector. The programme includes practical sessions, exhibitor stands and opportunities to ask questions about the Renters Rights Act.
The Property Ombudsman has expelled three registered businesses after they failed to pay compensation awards following upheld complaints. The cases involved tenancy management, survey/report delivery and landlord account handling, with the Ombudsman stressing that awards are binding and compliance is essential to consumer confidence.
A software provider has warned that a significant share of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax products listed by HMRC cannot yet file the final annual tax return, even if they can submit quarterly updates. The article notes that landlords and agents should check software capability carefully, as the tax return function is a key part of compliance and not all products support the full range of income types.
Room rents across most of the UK have reached record highs, while supply of flatshare rooms has fallen 4.7% year on year. The article links rising rents and shrinking supply to wider rental market pressures, including landlord exits, compliance concerns and local authority action on HMOs.
Propertymark has said it will engage with government on plans for mandatory regulation of property agents, including licensing and minimum qualifications. The organisation supports the principle of stronger consumer protection, but says key details such as qualification requirements, funding, transition arrangements and the regulator’s relationship with existing redress schemes still need to be clarified.
Chestertons has appointed Jordana Miles as Head of Short Lets as it reports stronger activity across its lettings business. The agency says tenant demand, move-ins and landlord instructions have all risen, with short lets seeing particular interest from corporate clients, relocating tenants and owners whose properties have not sold quickly.
