BBC Panorama has reported alleged misuse and poor standards within the Supported Exempt Accommodation sector, focusing on managing agents in Birmingham. The report says some providers may be claiming housing benefit for non-existent or non-resident tenants, while regulatory reforms passed in 2023 have yet to take practical effect.
A survey reported by August suggests that most landlords are unaware of the forthcoming landlord register and ombudsman linked to the Renters’ Rights Act. Awareness of other tenancy reforms is higher, but the article highlights a significant communication gap ahead of the planned rollout from December.
A survey of 276 landlords suggests awareness of the Renters Rights Act is relatively high in broad terms, but knowledge of the new private rented sector database and landlord ombudsman is much lower. The article argues that this gap in understanding could leave landlords exposed to penalties once registration becomes mandatory in England.
A survey by property management platform August suggests significant confusion among landlords about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, including when the rules apply and what compliance will involve. The research found low awareness of start dates across income bands and widespread expectations that quarterly reporting will add substantial administrative time.
Citizens Advice is urging the government to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance, arguing that around a million private renters on benefits are facing a widening gap between housing benefit and market rents. The charity says the allowance has fallen behind recent rent increases, leaving low-income tenants with insufficient support and greater financial pressure.
A lettings software provider has questioned whether the forthcoming Private Rented Sector Database will effectively identify rogue landlords, arguing that compliant landlords and agents may bear most of the administrative and cost burden. The database is due to begin rolling out in December, starting in the West Midlands, with landlords required to register properties region by region over an 18-month period and pay an annual fee per property.
East Staffordshire Council has approved a new selective licensing scheme for 16 streets in Burton upon Trent, due to start on New Year’s Day and run until 31 December 2031. The scheme is intended to improve housing conditions and management standards in an area with a high concentration of privately rented homes, and will require affected landlords to obtain a licence and meet mandatory conditions.
The NRLA is urging Chancellor John Healey to reform Capital Gains Tax in the upcoming Budget so that landlords are not taxed on property value increases driven by inflation. It argues that the current system discourages long-term investment in rental housing and should distinguish between real gains and inflationary price growth.
A landlord in Wirral has been fined after admitting to eight years without annual gas safety checks at a rented home occupied by a tenant and her children. The Health and Safety Executive brought the prosecution under Regulation 36(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and the court imposed a fine and costs.
Pegasus Insight research indicates that landlord use of lettings agents has risen to a two-year high, with two thirds now using an agent for some or all of the letting process. The increase is being driven mainly by demand for full property management, as landlords face growing regulatory complexity and higher time commitments in managing rental portfolios.
Lendlord has launched a compliance tool to help landlords in England prepare information for an upcoming mandatory property database. The tool compiles existing portfolio data into a registration pack, highlights missing details, and tracks deadlines, renewals and update requirements once properties or tenancies change.
Pegasus Insight research indicates that use of letting agents has risen to a two-year high, with 66% of rental properties now using an agent for some or all of the letting process. The increase is being driven mainly by demand for full management services as landlords respond to a more complex regulatory environment, including the Renters Rights Act and wider compliance pressures.
