Propertymark has submitted a response to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee's call for evidence on the Bill, focusing on key areas that affect the property sector, particularly anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the protection of vulnerable tenants from exploitation such as cuckooing and county lines activity. Our key message is clear: no matter how strong the tools , they will only work if landlords and property agents are informed and engaged in the implementation.

The Scottish Government is consulting on the process for a Mental Health Moratorium designed to give people with severe mental health conditions respite from debt recovery action, including rent arrears. Propertymark supports the proposals with recommendations to ensure the scheme works effectively in practice and recognises the rights of landlords.

The Independent Working Group on Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) in Scotland has published its multi-sector review of ASB and recommended improved prevention, early intervention and victim support. Propertymark took part in the review, and we welcome many of the Group’s suggestions, however, we now call on the Scottish Government to complete a more targeted review of ASB in the housing sector.

The Welsh Government’s response to the Local Government and Housing Committee's report on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) demonstrates alignment with Propertymark on key areas, such as the importance of the sector, the need for better data, and support for landlords and tenants.

Giving evidence to the first session of the Renters’ Rights Bill Committee on 22 October 2024, our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, demonstrated the value of engagement from our 18,000 members and raised several key areas where amendments should be made to ensure the Bill is fit for purpose. We will continue to share members’ insights and concerns about the legislation and advocate for balanced measures that protect renters while supporting landlords in offering safe, high-quality homes.

In the second of our series of webinars considering the potential impacts of the new legislation on agents and their businesses, one central message came across clearly - record-keeping will be of paramount importance once the Bill is enacted, and agents can use this time to prepare. Propertymark has developed a complete package of support to help property agents adjust and will continue to evolve our advice as the Bill progresses.

Officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) working on the Renters’ Rights Bill spent 90 minutes with member representatives from across the country listening to the specific concerns of members and their clients about the proposed legislation. Propertymark has launched a member toolkit to support members share their expert perspectives with their local MPs and encourage them to work with us to find real solutions to the housing crisis, plus resources to help facilitate positive conversations with landlords.

The Renters Rights Bill represents a significant overhaul of the way that the private rented sector functions. Following its introduction to parliament on 11 September 2024, myths and misconceptions have begun circulating throughout the property sector and amongst consumers about what the proposed legislation means in practice. With so many seeking clarity, Propertymark is here to provide confidence about what is going to change and what will remain the same.

The Renters' Reform Bill was introduced to parliament on 11 September 2024. If passed without amendment, the Bill will significantly overhaul the structure for private rented sector housing and repeal Section 21, alongside a number of other significant measures including the removal of fixed term tenancies, the expansion of Rent Repayment Orders, and a new landlord Ombudsman. There are many hurdles for the Bill to clear as part of the process of parliamentary scrutiny, but as Labour have a majority in the House of Commons the legislation could go through as quickly as next spring, with the reforms being implemented by late summer 2025.

Propertymark met with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, MP, and Baroness Taylor, Lords Housing Minister, ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill being introduced to parliament on 11 September 2024, to hear details of the UK Government’s proposals and provide initial feedback on behalf of members. Key features of the Bill include the abolition of Section 21, a ban on in-tenancy rent increases, and the removal of fixed-term tenancies. Our engagement with Ministers and officials will continue as the Bill progresses, with further meetings already arranged.

Our Policy and Campaigns team was invited to feed into an independent working group on anti-social behaviour (ASB) commissioned by the Scottish Minister for Victims and Community Safety. Insight from members highlighted key areas where the Scottish Government can improve its approach to preventing and tackling ASB in the private rented sector (PRS), and what support is needed by agents.

The Local Government and Housing Directorate, led by Minister for Housing Paul McLennan MSP, assessed the Bill and decided that no substantial amendments would be introduced, which is disappointing.

The UK Government is expected to introduce the new Renters’ Rights Bill to Parliament in Autumn 2024, so the release of detailed reports from the 2022-23 English Housing Survey on 18 July 2024 offers a timely snapshot of the landscape of the Private Rented Sector (PRS). Notably, 82% of private renters reported being satisfied with their accommodation, suggesting that issues may be concentrated in a small section of the market.

Opening the new session of Parliament, King Charles III announced more than 40 Bills the UK Government has committed to introduce, with housing and planning firmly in the spotlight. Housebuilding, renters’ rights, and leasehold reform are all on the legislative agenda, along with significant devolution of powers to local authorities.

A Propertymark webinar on 21 June 2024 gave practical advice on how agents can effectively handle anti-social behaviour (ASB) by or affecting a tenant, where to access support, and how to prepare for an eviction hearing.

The property industry urgently needs a clear strategy and strong, consistent leadership from the next UK Government. As the nation prepares to go to the polls on Thursday 4 July Propertymark has examined the manifesto promises on housing from major parties to see what is on offer to voters who care about the future of our sector.