NAVA Propertymark members should be vigilant for stolen goods
Police have called on auctioneers and high-value dealers to help recover four historic bronze statues stolen from the grounds of Iford Manor in Wiltshire during the night of 19 June 2025. This incident highlights the continued vulnerability of heritage assets and the crucial role that auctioneers and agents can play in preventing the circulation of stolen goods.
From fines to fraud: what’s at stake when agents fall short?
With rising enforcement by HMRC and an increase in consumer complaints to The Property Ombudsman (TPO), the risks to property businesses from non-compliance are growing fast. At the same time, complexity and the pace of change are escalating; rules around financial sanctions reporting, material information, and unfair commercial practices have shifted in recent weeks, and for the lettings sector, the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill is rapidly approaching.
Eviction delays spark urgent call for High Court enforcement option
Property agents and landlords across England and Wales are increasingly facing prolonged delays when attempting to evict problem tenants—an issue being described as a postcode lottery due to the inconsistent and regionally varied response times within the County Court system. In response, the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), in partnership with Propertymark and other stakeholders, have launched a campaign to speed up possessions, calling on landlords to consider High Court enforcement as a more efficient solution in the most severely affected areas.
Crime and Policing Bill offers new tools to address anti-social behaviour
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.
A stark warning on property fraud as man regains possession of stolen home
Fraudsters exploited the vulnerabilities in the property transaction system by stealing a homeowner’s identity and using a fake driving license to set up a bank account in his name to facilitate a sale in 2021. After four years, on 11 March 2025, a County Court finally granted the owner full possession of his home.
Outputs of ASB review highlight the need for a more targeted approach
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.
Rent-to-rent boss sentenced to community service for tenant harassment
Officers at Portsmouth Council investigated the unnamed business when concerns were raised that a significant number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) under their management were unlicensed and overcrowded.
Ministry signals tough stance on empty homes with Compulsory Purchase Order
A Local Authority has been given the go ahead by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to repossess a rental property left empty and in disrepair since 2018. Objections raised by the property owner were overruled by a Planning Inspectorate hearing and the Council will now ensure the building is sold to a new owner who will renovate and occupy it within a reasonable timeframe.
Landlord electronically tagged after gas safety negligence put tenants' lives at risk
The culprit claimed she could not afford to carry out maintenance at the property, and ignored an Improvement Notice and further requests from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). For several years, tenants at the property were forced to put up with a temperamental boiler that often left them without heating or hot water, as well as a condemned cooker. An HSE investigation found that the landlord was receiving full rent from the tenant at the time enforcement action was taken.
Propertymark members help steer review of anti-social behaviour legislation
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.
Over 250 agents fined for AML non-compliance
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that fines totalling over £1.6 million have been issued for a variety of breaches including missing documentation, incomplete due diligence, and failures to recognise specific risks, such as Politically Exposed Persons, high risk jurisdictions, companies, trusts and sanctions.
Rogue agents face stiff penalties for flouting property rules
Letting agents and landlords who disregard safety and licensing laws are increasingly facing action from authorities determined to crack down on poor practices and protect renters. Propertymark works hard to regulate our members and make sure consumers know how to access a professional agent. Our members demonstrate their commitment to working to higher standards than the law requires, and have access to training, CPD, and compliance support to ensure both they and their businesses are up to date with relevant standards and legislation.
FAQs: Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023
After the invasion of Ukraine, the UK Government took steps to address growing concerns of money laundering and other economic crime from Russian and foreign entities operating in the UK or with UK companies. This led to the introduction of the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act in March 2022.
Hazard repair failures lead to fines for landlord
Watford Council prosecuted the self-managing landlord for failure to put things right after an inspection discovered conditions in the property posed a severe health risk to the tenants.
Court rules Section 21 invalid without Gas Safety Certificate
Underscoring the obligation for letting agents or landlords provide a record to tenants immediately after any gas safety check, the ruling highlights it’s not just in cases of new gas appliance installation or within the initial twelve months of a tenancy. Failing to do this could have serious consequences for regaining possession of the property.
Home improvement scam alert
Property agents should be aware of potential risks and help educate their clients and tenants to be on the lookout for common scams, especially with growing awareness that decarbonising homes is on the UK Government's agenda.