Fact Sheet: Discrimination in the rental market (England)

Buyers in England could soon be presented with standardised upfront information about how a property would cope with flooding, the protection already installed, and recommendations for improvements. The UK Government and Flood Re have announced that the first pilots of the Flood Performance Certificate (FPC) will begin this winter, targeting at-risk areas, with a broader roll-out planned throughout 2027 and beyond.

As the dust settles following the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, lettings agencies are finding alternative ways to mitigate uncertainty and financial risk for landlords. A range of services are growing in popularity that replace traditional, abolished methods like rent in advance, not least professional rent guarantor provision. This service offers reassurance for good tenants who can afford the rent but don’t quite meet the right criteria on paper, including students, self-employed people or those on benefits, or retirees.

The UK Government has published details of its new ‘Register your rental property’ service, which will be introduced across England in stages starting this winter. Registration will begin in the West Midlands, with the rest of England following on a regional timetable. Propertymark is in continued contact with officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to clarify the role of agents in the process and to directly raise questions and concerns from our members.