Quick News Updates

Propertymark says major omissions in the Government’s new Warm Homes Plan are “deeply concerning” for landlords and agents.

The Sentencing Council has unveiled a public consultation that appears to suggest that not enough landlords are currently being imprisoned for the offences.

Mr Pennycook also said “the government do not support the introduction of rent controls, including rent stabilisation measures, for the reasons that we debated at some length during the passage of the bill.”

Sir Stephen Timms says following three-council trial, 38 more are to take up powers enabling them to recoup rent from landlords who let unlicensed properties to ‘benefits’ tenants.

Local authorities have been given draconian new powers to enforce good behaviour by landlords and letting agencies, including being able to enter premises where tenancy records are kept, take evidence, including paperwork, computers and phone,s and also being able to force a landlord’s tradespeople, agent and even past tenants to hand over paperwork.

Student sector faces major disruption as new possession timetable means landlords cannot guarantee empty homes for ‘next year’s cohort’ says NRLA.

Judge rules in favour of tenants, in spite of what he calls their “inappropriate” and “highly unsociable” behaviour.

Criminal landlords and sham letting agents are exploiting a lack of enforcement by councils to create a shadow lettings market, according to new academic research.

From that day, councils gain their new investigatory powers. Not in May. Not as a gradual rollout. They begin immediately, right in the middle of the festive lull when most agents are running on reduced staff and leftover Quality Street.

The government has no idea how the Renters’ Rights Act will impact the tribunal that considers rent appeal cases, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

A recent survey found that 57% of landlords do not feel prepared for the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, with many looking to their letting agents for guidance.

Racehel Reeves is not the only one – Labour councillor Michael Situ  has now stepped down as Southwark Council’s cabinet member for housing due to licensing failures. No doubt other landlord Councillors are anxiously checking with their letting agents …