The UK Government has published a Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper that claims it will redress the balance between landlords and 4.4 million tenants in the private rented sector (PRS).

The Welsh Government has announced a postponement to the implementation of the Act until 1 December 2022, which was originally set to come into force on 15 July 2022.

New notice to quit periods are now effective for landlords and letting agents in Northern Ireland as the Private Tenancies Bill received Royal Assent, creating the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.  

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a consultation to test the design of the EBSS, ensure that support is provided as widely as possible in a simple and cost-effective way and that the recovery mechanism is clear and efficient.

Propertymark conducted a series of roundtable discussions that sought input and evidence to inform our response to the consultation, which proposes fundamental and far-reaching changes to the private rented sector (PRS) in Scotland.

Propertymark has enhanced FAQs on the Homes for Ukraine scheme in response to enquiries about accommodating refugees to assist lettings agents advise their landlords and tenants.

Many agents spend a lot of time calling utility providers to update them of tenancy changes and to challenge inaccurate bills for their landlords. Delegating this responsibility to a Utility Management Provider will allow agents the time to focus on their core business.

The Ministry of Justice has published the responses to a call for evidence on dispute resolution in England and Wales that will feed into the UK Government’s developing work on how to utilise the processes to deliver swifter, more cost-effective and consensual access to justice.

On Saturday 6 March, a branch of a corporate lettings agency in London experienced a well-prepared scam attempt designed to steal keys to a vacant residential property.

PRS REPORT: Data collected from Propertymark’s members in January has shown that while the highest overall figure of new applicant registrations in Wales is averaging at 313 per member branch, a worrying number of landlords seem to be exiting the sector.

Do you know what happens at the end of your tenancy? Phil Spencer talks to Maxine Fothergill, ARLA Propertymark President about the things that can happen before a tenancy is terminated, including renewal options and the benefits and risks of each approach. Whichever way works for you – make sure that you have a written record of any discussions you have.

PRS REPORT: Propertymark agents’ data shows the availability of rental stock in London has fallen by 71 per cent in 12 months.

Phil Spencer talks to ARLA Propertymark President Maxine Fothergill on the the pitfalls of renting and how to avoid the most common mistakes. Did you know how common it is for tenants not to check their inventory or read their contract fully?

Following the Welsh Government’s confirmation that the Renting Homes (Wales) Act will be implemented from 15 July 2022, regulations have been laid which set out the required content of occupation contracts.

The Act, which was first passed in 2016, represents the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades. It increases protections for tenants and contract-holders through the introduction of a single, clear framework.

PRS REPORT: The average number of new prospective tenants was the highest on record for the month of November with 82 per Propertymark member branch. It's a significant rise from October's figure of 71.