Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on a tougher housing enforcement policy aimed at landlords and letting agents, with higher starting penalties for certain electrical safety breaches and HMO fire standard failures. The update reflects new duties and powers introduced through the Renters Rights Act and is intended to support fair, transparent and proportionate local enforcement.
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.
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.
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.
