The article explains that lawful basis for processing personal data is determined once per purpose, not re-established for every AI interaction. It argues that firms should focus on documenting approved AI use and maintaining records that evidence accountability, vendor control and data flow, rather than treating each AI action as a separate compliance event.
The government has indicated that the Financial Conduct Authority will begin taking on anti-money laundering supervision for professional services firms by the end of 2028, with full onboarding expected by mid-2030. The transition is intended to be phased, risk-based and supported by consultation on the future fee model, while existing supervisors remain in place until the FCA assumes responsibility.
Propertymark is calling for clearer government guidance on how tenants can challenge rent increases under the Renters Rights Act, particularly around the First-tier Tribunal process. The article says rent increases are now governed by Section 13 of the Act, and that better guidance, forms and tribunal support are needed to reduce confusion for tenants, landlords and agents.
The Conveyancing Association has renewed its opposition to the Ministry of Justice’s proposed Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts (ILCA) scheme, arguing that the policy would impose additional costs on conveyancing firms and ultimately on home buyers and sellers. The association is also questioning the MoJ’s process after reports it is recruiting for a role linked to designing and implementing the scheme before publishing its consultation response.
An analysis by The Letting Partnership indicates that 8,553 homes are currently being marketed for sale with tenants in situ across England, representing 1.8% of available sales stock. The article highlights regional variation and notes that transactions involving tenanted properties require careful handling of deposits, rent ledgers and client money records to ensure a clean handover.
The article reports that a new national landlord registration service in England will launch on 15 December, beginning in the West Midlands and then rolling out regionally. Registration will become a legal requirement for landlords, with deadlines extending to November 2027, and future rules will also require registration of unoccupied properties before marketing. The piece also notes that HMRC’s Valuation Office will take over initial decisions on rent increase challenges, while tenants continue to use the First-tier Tribunal during the transition.
The article highlights growing concern over punching shear in reinforced concrete flat and transfer slabs, particularly in high-rise and mixed-use buildings. It notes that recent guidance and urgent practice alerts from professional bodies and the Building Safety Regulator are prompting structural reviews, with potential implications for litigation, insurance claims and intrusive investigations.
Propertymark says the enforcement burden on the private rented sector is increasing as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 raises maximum civil penalties for relevant Housing Act offences and councils expand licensing schemes. The article also highlights forthcoming PRS Database requirements and the risk of rent repayment orders where properties are unlicensed.
Propertymark warns that landlords and letting agents are facing a more complex licensing environment, with higher civil penalties for Housing Act offences and expanding local licensing schemes across England. The article also highlights the forthcoming PRS Database and the risk of rent repayment orders where properties are left unlicensed.
Propertymark is urging the Burnham government to speed up leasehold reform and provide immediate protections for existing leaseholders, arguing that a future move to commonhold will not address current market problems. Its report says high service charges, slow access to leasehold information and unresolved building safety defects are continuing to hinder sales, mortgageability and consumer confidence.
An alliance of SME and boutique law firms is urging the Solicitors Regulation Authority to reconsider proposals that would separate COLP and COFA roles from individuals with unilateral management control in certain firms. The group argues the threshold and implementation approach are not sufficiently evidence-based and could create practical and cost pressures for smaller practices ahead of phased introduction from January 2027.
FCS Compliance is hosting a free webinar for property professionals on anti-money laundering regulation changes and updated HMRC guidance. The session will be led by AML specialists and is designed to address practical questions on applying the revised framework in day-to-day property business operations.
