The First-tier Tribunal has published Form HO4 for appeals against financial penalties imposed under section 249A of the Housing Act 2004. The notice also indicates the form has been updated with revised questions, fee information, email address fields, mediation-related questions, and GDPR information.
The First-tier Tribunal has published Form ESS01, which landlords can use to dispute a financial penalty imposed by a local council for breach of electrical safety duties. The notice explains that the form is available as a PDF and provides practical guidance on accessing or printing it.
The NRLA is launching new Knowledge Hubs to help private landlords respond to the Renters Rights Act and wider regulatory change. The hubs will provide guidance, tools and training focused on compliance, legal obligations and day-to-day landlord requirements in England and Wales.
Deposit replacement provider Reposit reports strong first-half 2026 growth, which it attributes in part to the Renters Rights Act and wider demand for risk-managed renting solutions. The company says sales rose 58% year-on-year overall, with Build to Rent sales up 103%, alongside increased agent adoption and new platform integrations.
Ashfield Council is promoting an East Midlands Housing Conference on 20 October focused on the Renters Rights Act and its practical impact on the private rented sector. The event will offer guidance on compliance, with keynote presentations from housing law specialist David Smith and Suzanne Smith, alongside workshops and an exhibition for landlords and housing professionals.
A new report from UCL IIPP and the New Economics Foundation argues that rent controls could reduce household costs significantly while leaving most landlords profitable. It models 10% and 20% rent reduction scenarios, claiming the policy could also lower government housing benefit spending and support a transfer of some homes into social or community ownership.
Generation Rent is calling for Awaab’s Law to be extended to the private rented sector this year, while a parliamentary committee has also urged faster action on housing standards, enforcement and tenant protections. The report highlights concerns about damp, mould, local authority resourcing, MEES enforcement, and the need to strengthen the Private Rented Sector Database and selective licensing powers.
Telford & Wrekin council has approved an additional licensing scheme for smaller HMOs, requiring properties occupied by three or four tenants to be licensed from 25 August. Landlords who apply early can receive a fee discount, while failure to obtain the appropriate licence may lead to enforcement action.
A survey commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation found that most private renters in England were unaware of, or did not understand, the Renters Rights Act shortly before its implementation. The findings suggest that key protections, including the ability to challenge above-market rent increases, may be underused unless awareness improves.
A survey commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation found that most private renters in England were unaware of, or did not understand, the Renters Rights Act shortly before its implementation. The findings suggest that key protections, including the ability to challenge above-market rent increases, may be underused unless awareness improves.
The article argues that the Renters’ Rights Act has created significant disruption in the student lettings market by allowing some tenants to end contracts early, leaving landlords and agents with summer voids and reduced income. It suggests the sector may respond by changing tenancy start dates, increasing rents, or shifting supply toward purpose-built student accommodation and professional lets.
Liverpool City Council has refused retrospective planning consent for a large HMO at St Josephs House in Childwall, citing substandard living conditions. The authority said the property, used as student accommodation for more than a decade, lacks adequate light, privacy and shared amenity space.
