We have consistently highlighted that without sufficient funding, staffing, and training, councils would struggle to enforce new and existing regulations effectively. Consistent and proportionate enforcement is key to driving up standards, tackling criminal landlords, and maintaining confidence among good agents and landlords who already comply with the rules.
Targeting poor practice in the private rented sector
Councils will play a critical role in enforcing new requirements, including changes to tenancy rules and tenant protections. Local authorities will be expected to use the funding to recruit and train enforcement officers, carry out inspections, and act against landlords who do not meet required standards.
This reflects a wider shift towards stronger oversight of the private rented sector, with enforcement playing a central role in ensuring reforms translate into real improvements for tenants.
What this means for letting agents
For letting agents, increased enforcement is likely to lead to greater scrutiny of compliance with legal obligations. Agents working to professional standards should see this as a positive step towards raising consistency across the sector.
However, it also underlines the importance of ensuring processes, documentation, and property management practices are fully aligned with current regulations.
Agents should be prepared for more frequent inspections and closer engagement with local authority enforcement teams as councils expand their activity.
Raising standards across the sector
The funding announcement signals a stronger focus on driving out poor practice and improving conditions for tenants. It also aligns with Propertymark’s broader position that enforcement, alongside professional standards and regulation, is essential to improving the private rented sector.
While the additional funding is a positive step, continued investment and a long-term strategy will be needed to ensure councils can maintain effective enforcement and deliver lasting improvements.
As the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, we will continue to work with the UK Government and local authorities to ensure the new framework is delivered in a way that is fair, effective, and workable for agents, landlords and tenants.
Supporting agents to adapt
Propertymark provides practical guidance, webinars and resources to help agents navigate the transition and prepare their businesses with confidence. Our most recent webinar shared last-minute updates, guidance on issuing the Information Sheet and the new Periodic Tenancy Agreement.
Agents can stay ahead of the curve with our essential training courses – Renters’ Rights Act: What you need to know and Section 8 & 13: Rents, Rights and Repossession – which offer an opportunity to learn from industry experts who will explain how the Renters’ Rights legislation will affect landlords and agents, and provide tips, insights and advice on how to thrive under the new regime.
Our Renters’ Rights Act Toolkit breaks down the Act and helps agents inform their landlords and tenants. It includes guidance, training, fact sheets, FAQs, and resources to help prepare for the changes.
While this support will help local authorities implement and enforce the new measures, it is equally important that councils are supported to improve housing standards more broadly. In particular, there must be sustained investment in the recruitment and retention of Environmental Health Officers, who play a critical role in enforcement on the ground.
The UK Government also has an important role to play in promoting these careers and ensuring there are clear, accessible training pathways to build the skilled workforce needed to uphold standards across the private rented sector.
