Eight in ten people are charging, storing, or repairing their devices in a way that greatly increases the risk of fire, according to a survey by NFU Mutual. With lithium-ion batteries used in almost every household in the UK, and insurers reporting an increase in fire claims associated with them, it is advisable for agents to inform their landlords and tenants on how to reduce their risk.

Propertymark is encouraging the UK Government to explore all viable methods of increasing the delivery of homes, however, the approach must not lose sight of the importance of creating decent homes that people want to buy in the places they want to live. In our consultation response to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) we suggest improvements to their proposals that will help avoid unintended consequences.

Agents mustn't become complacent when it comes to property sales and lettings boards, as badly maintained, or illegally erected ones can cause injury or nuisance and could result in legal action.

Our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, gave evidence to the Local Government and Housing Committee inquiry into the private rented sector (PRS) in Wales, urging them to learn lessons from the impact in Scotland and elaborating on key measures which were contained in Propertymark’s written evidence, such as a review of taxation, improved data collection, and a clear strategic plan to positively move the sector forward.

The Scottish Government has set out proposals for how homeowners and landlords can meet energy efficiency targets and reconfirmed its intention to ban polluting heating systems from 2045. Whilst Propertymark welcomes the ambition, we believe enhancements are needed to make the plans achievable.

Julie James, MS, Minister for Climate Change has confirmed that the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, which is due to be introduced to the Senedd this term, will go significantly further than the regime in England under the Building Safety Act 2022, much of which Wales has already adopted.

A proposed voluntary scheme from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) invites landlords from the private and social sectors to commit to standards which go beyond the minimum required by law and aims to help tenants recognise and identify a good landlord. Whilst Propertymark welcomes these aims, we believe the scheme would be strengthened if agents were also considered for membership.

The UK Government is currently consulting on the implementation of Awaab’s Law, which was passed in response to the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in December 2020 from exposure to serious mould in his parents’ social rented home.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) carried out a first consultation on the implementation of the levy which closed on 7 February 2023. The current technical consultation concentrates on the methodology for levy calculation, the collection process, disputes and appeals and further exemptions.

The UK Government argued that looser licensing rules would increase the availability of private rented homes for people arriving in the country, however, after safety concerns were cited, these proposals have been withdrawn.

Propertymark was invited to give evidence to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee (LUHCC) as part of their inquiry into the role the UK Government, local councils and developers have in ensuring the delivery of suitable housing for disabled people, and what the UK Government can do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector.

Propertymark welcomes clarification that the Scottish Government intends to apply and enforce the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 and fully support measures that will improve safety in high-rise buildings. However, we are concerned that the current proposals for a time limit on enforcement may leave some buildings less safe for residents.

As a report from the Commons Health and Social Care Committee (HSCC) calls for urgent action from the UK Government to set out a timetable for a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector (PRS), Propertymark reiterates the need for robust training, qualifications, and competency standards for property managers across both sectors, as well as adequate resources to enforce standards.

The Welsh Government intends to build on changes made in 2018 when the use of some combustible materials in the external walls of high-rise residential buildings was banned. The current proposals look at a range of new materials to be covered, extend the types of buildings, include buildings between 11 and 18 metres in height and include new regulations about emergency systems and procedures.

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.