The Renters’ Rights Bill could upend the entire student housing cycle. Gone are fixed-term contracts. In their place: rolling tenancies with just two months' notice. For the student market — built on predictability — it risks creating instability that the market hasn’t seen in decades. Propertymark Industry Supplier, Rent Guarantor, explores how landlords and letting agents can adapt, and a safety net that might help them land a little softer.

Stage 1 scrutiny of the Bill is underway in the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee, and Propertymark is set to give evidence in person on 9 October. We have also submitted written feedback, outlining how the legislation can be improved to ensure it achieves its aims.

Propertymark has submitted a detailed response to the UK Government consultation based on roundtables and surveys with agents across England. Our engagement shows that most properties managed by our members are already largely compliant. However, the extension of the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will bring new obligations, particularly around damp and mould, safety measures, and clearer repair thresholds. We support a data-driven, proactive approach to property management that considers tenant experience.

We are proud to renew our support for the annual safety campaign, which is running from 8–14 September 2025. Coordinated by the Gas Safe Register, the week raises awareness of the importance of gas safety and highlights what individuals can do to protect themselves, their clients, and their communities. This year’s theme, “Looking after your home, friends, and family”, emphasises that gas safety is everyone’s responsibility. Agents, landlords, and homeowners can all take small steps which make a big difference in keeping people safe.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee inquiry into housing conditions in England focuses on the proposed extension of the Decent Homes Standard and the application of Awaab’s Law across social housing and the private rented sector (PRS). Evidence gathered from Propertymark members demonstrates why current initiatives do not go far enough to drive up standards or consistently protect tenants. Reforms must be proportionate, backed by strong enforcement, and packaged with meaningful support for agents and their landlords.

Propertymark has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on how powers in the Housing (Scotland) Bill could be used to exempt properties from rent control, allow rents to rise above the cap in certain circumstances, and change the way joint tenancies are ended.

Propertymark has responded to the Scottish Government’s plans to require private rented homes to meet a new EPC Heat Retention Rating of band C — from 2028 for new tenancies and 2033 for all lets — focusing on a property’s fabric and heating system to better link upgrades with reduced emissions. Whilst we support the principle of improving energy efficiency, we are concerned that the proposals place significant financial and practical pressures on landlords.

Self-employed businesses in the UK with income over £50,000 will need to follow new rules for recording and submitting tax information under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA). Businesses and landlords affected by the change will be required to maintain digital records, use HMRC-approved software, and submit tax information quarterly, rather than through a single annual Self-Assessment return.

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become mandatory for the incorporation and appointment of new directors and people with significant control (PSCs). Companies House is encouraging individuals to verify their identities as early as possible.

Property agents looking to safeguard their business against financial loss can benefit from suitable office insurance. Offices and those who work within them can be exposed to risks such as theft, damage, or liability claims. Gallagher, Propertymark’s official insurance broking partner, explains the benefits and the potential business-saving cover it can provide.

A BBC investigation has revealed that criminals used the UK Government’s unclaimed estates list to commit probate fraud. The list, published on the Gov.uk website, included details of around 6,000 estates left by people who died without a will or known heirs. It was taken offline in July 2025 after evidence showed fraudsters used it to submit fake wills and claim millions of pounds in assets.

The warmer months bring a surge of tenancy turnovers, from student lets ending around graduation, to families relocating during school holidays. For letting agents, this can be a hectic period with a high volume of move-outs to process. Propertymark Industry Supplier, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme shares best practices to help agents manage summer check-outs smoothly, ensure deposits are returned promptly, and minimise the chance of disputes.

When the Lionesses lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy, the nation rightly celebrated their sporting prowess — but their journey to the top was no fluke. It was the product of years of targeted investment in grassroots infrastructure, coaching, and pathways for talent development. In short, a long-term plan with delivered results.

All sales and letting agents in England are urged to share their experience to inform the future of property industry qualifications and regulation. Propertymark strongly supports the introduction of professional standards and mandatory qualifications – regulation is essential to improve trust , protect consumers, and ensure high standards across the board. This survey will provide decision-makers with a clear picture of the current landscape and help influence how any new regime is implemented.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) was fast tracked through Parliament in May 2024, ahead of the last UK general election, but not all sections of the legislation have yet been brought into force. The reforms affect approximately 4.5 million leasehold homes in England and Wales, but are now being challenged by freeholders, who claim the provisions infringe their human rights.