You will need to login as a member to access this page. This resource is available for members of:
Propertymark membership gives you the credibility of being part of a respected association along with access to a whole host of resources.
Use the button below to find out more about becoming a member and the full value of membership.
Local housing authorities in England have gained new investigatory powers under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, including the ability to enter rental sector business premises as part of enforcement activity. Officers can request and seize documents, but their powers are not unlimited. Agents should know what officers can lawfully ask for, what notice should be given in routine cases, and what protections apply to legally confidential material.
The UK Government has published draft regulations introducing a new disclosure regime for land agreements that give control over development without transferring ownership. The rules, which will apply in England and Wales, stem from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and are expected to come into force on 6 April 2027.
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.
Rules for short-stay accommodation in Wales are becoming more complicated. New licensing standards, tax changes, planning rules and a visitor levy are all being introduced, creating major implications for agents and landlords. For property professionals, this brings both challenges and opportunities — the risk of higher costs, reputational damage, and penalties for non-compliance, but also the chance to stand out by offering well-managed, compliant accommodation that builds trust with guests and demonstrates higher standards.