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AML registration failures still the top cause of painful agent fines
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued hundreds of thousands of pounds in new fines to property agents for failures to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, reinforcing the consequences of getting compliance wrong. The latest enforcement action covers the 2025–26 reporting period and includes 170 penalties issued to estate agency businesses, totalling more than £835,000. Letting agents are also within HMRC’s supervisory scope where transactions meet the required thresholds.
Single sanctions list launches on 28 January 2026 for simpler checks
All UK sanctions designations maintained by the UK Government will be consolidated into an official list and updated in one place. This is a significant operational change for property agents, auctioneers and other regulated businesses, which should make checking clearer and more straightforward. Sanctions compliance are part of wider financial sanctions and anti-money laundering obligations, and failures can carry serious legal and reputational consequences.
Scotland's Awaab's Law set to strengthen action on damp and mould
New regulations have been laid in the Scottish Parliament which, if passed, will place clearer and more time-bound duties on landlords and agents to investigate and address damp and mould in both private and social rented homes. Clear standards, realistic timescales and consistent enforcement are essential if these reforms are to improve housing conditions without reducing supply or creating unintended consequences.
Guide to Local Authority Investigatory Powers
From 27 December 2025, local housing authorities in England will have powers to investigate potential breaches of housing law by landlords, agents, and others involved in the private rented sector, allowing them to request information, seize documents, and enter business premises under certain circumstances.