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 Dame Judith Hackitt-chaired group has urged a tougher stance on the construction industry, saying progress on building safety culture remains insufficient. The Industry Safety Steering Group called for stronger incentives for good practice, meaningful sanctions for poor performance, and faster reform of construction products oversight.
The Health and Safety Executive has issued two prohibition notices to Story Contracting following breaches related to working at height and excavation safety. The enforcement action states that the contractor failed to put in place suitable and sufficient measures to prevent falls from height.
The article reports that Making Tax Digital is increasing administrative pressure on landlords, with a survey suggesting some may leave the rental market. It also argues that letting agents are well placed to support landlords with compliance as the MTD thresholds expand further in 2027.
The Regulator of Social Housing has published first consumer grades for four landlords: Aster Group, Charnwood Borough Council, Dover District Council and Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association. Aster achieved C1, while the other three received C2, with the judgements highlighting strengths in repairs, stock understanding and governance alongside weaknesses in anti-social behaviour handling, tenant engagement, fire safety actions and complaints handling.
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.
