News and reports

Reports have emerged that the Chancellor is considering the introduction of short-term rent controls in England as part of efforts to ease the cost of living. Propertymark recognises the financial pressures facing tenants and the need for the UK Government to act to support households. However, rent controls risk producing unintended outcomes that disadvantage both tenants and landlords.

While much of the attention has focused on tenancy reform, the Act also has a clear knock-on effect for how tenancy deposits are managed – particularly when it comes to end-of-tenancy disputes. Propertymark Industry Supplier, TDS, explains that understanding the impact on deposit deductions, tenant expectations, and evidential requirements will be key to avoiding disputes and ensuring fair outcomes for all parties.

With the Senedd election approaching on 7 May 2026, housing remains a critical issue across Wales. All major parties recognise the need to increase supply and improve affordability, but their approaches differ significantly. The next Welsh Government will need to strike a careful balance between raising standards and maintaining investment, particularly in the private rented sector (PRS).

With the Scottish Parliament election approaching on 7 May 2026, all major political parties have set out their housing priorities. The next Scottish Government will need to strike a careful balance between improving standards and maintaining supply. Policies that focus too heavily on regulation risk reducing investment, while those that prioritise supply must still ensure quality and consumer protection.

Transactions are taking longer than at any point in recent years, creating uncertainty for consumers and placing additional pressure on property agents working to keep chains together. Although market activity is showing some resilience, movers are facing waits of up to 17 weeks to exchange, exposing ongoing inefficiencies in the system.

Propertymark welcomes the announcement of millions of pounds in additional financial support to help councils identify non-compliant landlords, improve housing standards, and ensure tenants are protected under the new legislative framework. It is vital that this funding is sustained and used strategically to build long-term capacity, not just for short-term fixes.

The UK Government has published draft regulations introducing a new disclosure regime for land agreements that give control over development without transferring ownership. The rules, which will apply in England and Wales, stem from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and are expected to come into force on 6 April 2027.

The Home Office has published a draft Code designed to give clearer guidance to landlords and letting agents on complying with the Right to Rent Scheme rules without breaching equality law. Checks on prospective tenants’ right to live in the UK have been part of the lettings process since 2016 and form part of wider government policy to prevent illegal immigration.

Whilst it is best practice for letting agents to review their Terms of Business ahead of the reforms kicking in, especially if they are making changes to the type of services they offer to clients, there is no requirement for these business-specific documents to be formally Renters’ Rights compliant.