London asking rents are rising strongly even as tenant enquiries per available property have fallen, according to Hello Neighbour. The agency links the shift to reduced net migration and to the Renters Rights Act, which it says is encouraging landlords and agents to set higher initial rents and making mid-tenancy rent increases more complex.
The article reports a sharp rise in Right to Buy sales in England during 2025-26, alongside a fall in the number of replacement homes funded through receipts. It also outlines proposed reforms in the Social Housing Bill that would lengthen eligibility, extend protections for new social homes and alter discounts, with the Bill expected to progress further next month.
Propertymark says the Renters Rights Act will change rental marketing and onboarding by requiring active database entries for both landlord and property before a home can be advertised. It also expects written adverts to carry unique identifiers, with compliance checks becoming part of agents’ instruction and listing workflows.
Goodlord says AI-generated fake documents and fabricated identities are driving a rise in suspected tenancy fraud across the UK private rented sector. Its analysis suggests the issue could expose landlords and agents to significant direct losses, with London identified as a fraud hotspot and the NRLA urging stronger, regularly reviewed referencing checks.
An agency briefing on the Renters Rights Act drew strong landlord attendance, reflecting heightened concern about the compliance burden introduced by the legislation. The article says landlords are particularly focused on regaining possession where issues arise and on using insurance to manage risks such as lost rent, court costs and delays.
The Property Franchise Group reported stronger first-half results, with lettings franchise revenue up 2% and overall group revenue up 7%. The group highlighted the resilience of its managed lettings portfolio and said it had supported franchisees through implementation of the Renters Rights Act.
An agency report suggests the Renters Rights Act pet-request provisions have had limited visible impact so far, with most landlords in the survey saying they have not received any formal pet requests since the right came into force on 1 May. The article also notes that tenant search behaviour may be changing, with fewer people filtering specifically for pet-friendly rentals even though pets remain a major rental search term.
The article indicates that the Lettings Industry Council has issued recommendations in response to a proposed government database, suggesting additional administrative responsibilities for letting agents. The extract does not provide further detail on the scope, timing or operational requirements of the database.
A free PropTech tool has been launched to help letting agents complete the documentation required under the Renters’ Rights Act, including the government’s Form 3A Section 8 Notice. The software is designed to reduce administrative errors, support compliance checks, and lower the risk of possession claims failing in court.
A lettings agent has admitted to fraud involving nearly £50,000 taken from tenants and landlords over a seven-year period. The case concerns failures to pay landlords and to protect tenant deposits, with sentencing due on 1 September.
The Property Ombudsman has launched a new membership portal for letting agents, giving them a single place to check complaint status, update business details, download certificates and access compliance resources. The launch comes as the organisation reports a significant rise in complaints in the first half of the year and says it needs to make support more efficient for members.
Propertymark is engaging with the Welsh Government ahead of a planned Rental Bill expected in 2027. The initial focus is likely to be rent data collection and strengthening the enforcement role of Rent Smart Wales, with wider reforms to follow later in the Senedd term.
