Data must be accurate, proportionate and useful
The Government’s strategy is a welcome acknowledgement that major reform must be monitored through clear, transparent and consistent evidence. For Propertymark members, the key test will be whether the data collected is accurate, proportionate, and used to refine policy where problems emerge.
As the Renters’ Rights Act is implemented, Propertymark will continue to press for members’ experience to be heard and for the evidence base to reflect the practical realities of delivering a fair, professional and sustainable private rented sector.
Evaluation reports expected in 2028 and 2031
The UK Government has committed to publishing evaluation findings two and five years after implementation. The evaluation will be delivered in two phases and will assess the process, impact and value for money of the reforms.
For agents, this matters because policy changes will be judged not only on their stated aims, but on what happens in practice. Reliable data will be essential to understand whether reforms improve standards and security without reducing supply, increasing costs, or adding pressure to the courts and local authorities.
Existing surveys will be expanded
Established national surveys, including the English Housing Survey and the English Private Landlord Survey, will continue to be used to monitor housing conditions, affordability, energy efficiency, landlord behaviour and tenant experiences. New indicators linked to the Renters’ Rights Act will be added to the English Housing Survey to track long-term trends. MHCLG has also commissioned a longitudinal survey of private renters to help monitor the reforms.
Propertymark has previously highlighted the importance of accurate rental data, particularly for setting Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates and understanding local rental markets, and we encourage landlords and agents to submit rental data to help ensure more accurate LHA rates.
Market data will help track affordability and supply
The success of rental reform cannot be judged only by legal changes. It must also be assessed against the reality of supply, demand, and affordability. Landlords’ confidence, tax pressures, welfare policy and housing supply all affect the size and stability of the PRS.
Datasets, including the Office for National Statistics’ monthly Price Index of Private Rents and industry publications will help to assess affordability pressures, market availability, and churn.
Monitoring courts, tribunals and redress
This is a critical area for members, and Propertymark has long raised concerns that following the removal of Section 21 must be matched by an effective and fair justice system to handle cases.
Landlords must have confidence that they can recover possession when there are valid grounds, and delays in the possession process can undermine trust in the sector.
The UK Government states it will use data from the Ministry of Justice Mortgage and Landlord Possession Statistics, rent increase challenges in the Residential Property Tribunal, and wider PRS cases in the First-tier Tribunal to help track possession activity, disputes, rent challenges, tribunal pressures and access to justice.
The new PRS Ombudsman will also provide data through annual reports, helping to identify emerging issues, improve standards and share lessons from complaints.
PRS Database will be a key new source of information
Operational, administrative, and management data from the Database is expected to begin being collected during Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation, starting in late 2026. Over time, the database could provide information on the size and distribution of PRS properties, patterns of ownership, selected property characteristics, and some aspects of compliance and enforcement.
The UK Government also highlights the potential value of using Unique Property Reference Numbers (UPRNs), which would allow cross-referencing with other sources, such as the English Housing Survey, to create a more holistic picture of individual properties.
Local authority enforcement data to become mandatory
We’re pleased that councils will have a mandatory requirement to report enforcement data to MHCLG. We have consistently called for stronger regulation backed by effective enforcement and highlighted the need for adequate long-term funding for inspections, better joined-up working, and follow-up enforcement action. Data collection alone will not improve standards unless councils have the staff, skills, and funding to act on the information they collect.
