Making members’ experience count
Officials from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government have stated that evidence from Propertymark members on how the proposals would work in practice and their potential impact on the sector is particularly welcome. Propertymark has also been invited to a meeting with the PRS standards team to discuss the proposals in more detail, where we will use members’ practical experience to inform our input. Our focus will be on achieving safer homes through clear responsibilities, workable timescales and support that enables agents and landlords to comply.
Join our member roundtable
The sessions will provide an opportunity to share your views, discuss the practical implications of the proposals and highlight the challenges they could present for letting agents and private landlords.
Choose one of the following online sessions:
- Tuesday 10 November | 2pm–4pm
- Wednesday 11 November | 10am–12pm
To book a place, email the Policy and Campaigns Team at [email protected], stating which session you would like to attend.
Members can also read the proposals and respond directly through the UK Government’s consultation page or email their comments to [email protected]. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on 18 December 2026.
What is being considered?
The social housing rules are used as the starting point. These include a requirement for landlords to:
- Investigate potential significant hazards within 10 working days of becoming aware of them.
- Provide a written summary within three working days of concluding the investigation, unless all repair work is completed within that period.
- Make significant hazards safe within five working days of concluding the investigation.
- Investigate and make emergency hazards safe as soon as practicable, within 24 hours at most.
- Start, or taking steps to start, further preventative works within five working days, with work physically beginning within 12 weeks.
These deadlines are very similar to the regime introduced in Scotland on 6 October 2026.
MHCLG is seeking views on hazard coverage, tenant vulnerabilities, alternative accommodation, leasehold responsibilities, the start date, and whether implementation should be phased. The consultation also considers extending protection to supported housing, temporary accommodation for homeless households and care leaver accommodation occupied under licence.
Building on our work with members
In our evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s inquiry into housing conditions, informed by a member survey and roundtables, we called for reforms that improve standards while supporting landlords to invest and remain in the market.
We highlighted the need for training, better property management systems, clear tenant communication and rapid response processes. These changes carry costs, and agents and landlords need meaningful support to put them into practice. We also called for clear guidance, properly resourced enforcement and mandatory qualifications for letting agents.
Our previous guidance on preparing for Awaab’s Law encouraged agents to adopt a clear process for logging reports, assessing risks, arranging repairs and keeping tenants informed. Recording when an issue is reported and what action follows helps agencies respond promptly and retain evidence if a complaint escalates.
