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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.
The Act equips Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) with stronger rights to investigate whether a landlord or letting agent has breached certain housing laws – measures which apply to letting of private rented accommodation, and actions that may involve illegal eviction, poor standards, and non-compliance.
The legislation gained Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. Implementation will be staged via secondary legislation, and the UK Government has stated it will allow time for a smooth transition and engage the sector on commencement dates. Propertymark has hit the ground running, with training, events, and downloadable resources to support the sector through the most significant transition in private renting for a generation.