Chestertons is urging the lettings sector to strengthen tenant referencing and carry out ongoing tenancy checks to reduce the risk of fraud. The article cites fake IDs, forged references and falsified bank statements as methods used to obtain rentals, with some landlords then facing rent loss, property damage and lengthy possession processes.
Safeagent has welcomed Andy Burnham’s premiership, citing his previous involvement in the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter and his stated interest in a fair private rented sector. The NRLA has also offered a cautious welcome, while flagging likely disagreement over rent controls and landlord licensing.
The government has launched a data-sharing partnership with Airbnb and Birmingham City Council to identify and remove illegal short lets linked to tenancy fraud in social housing. Early checks have already identified potential cases, with the initiative aimed at recovering properties for households in genuine need.
Matthew Pennycook has been reappointed as housing minister under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, continuing his role as a central figure in the government’s housing reform agenda. The article highlights his involvement in the Renters Rights Act and the planned move away from leasehold toward commonhold, alongside wider housing policy priorities.
Goodlord has partnered with Elevate Speciality to launch a landlord and rent guarantee insurance product aimed at letting agents. The offering is embedded within the Goodlord platform and is being positioned as aligned with the requirements of the Renters Rights Act.
The article highlights concerns raised by lettings expert Paul Shamplina about rental fraud, including fake tenants, false identities and references, and criminals posing as landlords or agents. It cites BBC Panorama cases where properties were taken over and used for criminal activity, illegal subletting, or were left damaged, with landlords facing lengthy possession and legal processes.
Labour politicians in Manchester are urging the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to consider the city as a pilot area for private rent controls, with calls for devolved powers to let Greater Manchester set rent caps. The debate also references wider concerns about affordability in the private rented sector and the potential for Manchester to inform a national approach.
