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.
Goodlord has partnered with Elevate Speciality to launch a landlord and rent guarantee insurance product aimed at letting agents. The offering is embedded within the Goodlord platform and is being positioned as aligned with the requirements of the Renters Rights Act.
The article highlights concerns raised by lettings expert Paul Shamplina about rental fraud, including fake tenants, false identities and references, and criminals posing as landlords or agents. It cites BBC Panorama cases where properties were taken over and used for criminal activity, illegal subletting, or were left damaged, with landlords facing lengthy possession and legal processes.
The article says Angela Rayner is returning to the housing brief and will lead on implementing house-buying reforms previously announced by Steve Reed. It also states that if private rent controls are tested or introduced through a devolution package, she would be responsible for that policy area, alongside wider local government reforms.
Savills reports that prime rental values rose in Q2 2026 across regional markets, outer prime London and, more modestly, prime central London. The firm links the increase to landlords passing on higher regulatory, tax and borrowing costs, alongside reduced stock as some landlords consider selling following the Renters Rights Act.
