Landlord responsibilities
With responsibilities for landlords increasing, costs to meet these responsibilities — such as additional homes surcharge across each of the UK nations’ land transactions systems — are also mounting which could be leading to many landlords selling their properties or diversifying into the short-term lets sector.
Avoiding over-regulation across the UK should be a priority to keep existing landlords in the sector as well as attract new buy-to-let investment.
Propertymark has consistently called for the enforcement of existing rules, which we believe should be the main focus for governments to target rogue landlords rather than adding more red tape that may alienate those who try their hardest to comply/ have an interest in joining the sector.
We have also called for greater regulation of the private rented sector in Northern Ireland, as shown by our recent response to the Assembly’s Call for Evidence, in which we also urge caution against the introduction of too many regulatory changes at once because this could result in landlords leaving the sector.
In our representation to HM Treasury, we proposed that the UK Government develop a private renting sustainment and support programme to help prevent further debt, poverty and homelessness, and to help enhance access to affordable housing for households displaced as a result of COVID-19.
Since lockdown, renters and landlords whose finances have been affected cannot keep tenancies going without additional financial support. The £65 million funding for those in rental debt (England) provides some support, however almost four million low-income households across the UK are in arrears with their household bills, yet this money will be targeted at those who are most at risk of homelessness, excluding a significant number of others from help.
A programme of support would ensure Local Housing Allowance rates and Universal Credit are adequate and more effective so that landlords and letting agents would have more confidence to offer tenancies to claimants. Local councils would also be given adequate funding to drive up standards through enforcement.
Housing courts
The present route to possession via the courts for private landlords is slow, complex, and costly and with the UK Government’s Renters’ Reforms agenda on the horizon, the Chancellor had the perfect opportunity in the Spending Review to ensure there is a court system that can ensure faster access to justice for both landlords and help to safeguard the supply and quality of housing via enhanced confidence in the justice system.
Additionally, Propertymark has supported calls for the development of a specialist housing tribunal in Wales, similar to what has been introduced in Scotland. The implementation of a specialist housing tribunal in Wales could help prevent many more landlords from leaving the sector – particularly those who own a single property – which may mean higher rents and further pressure on social housing providers and local councils due to lack of supply.
Energy efficiency
For many landlords across the UK, the planned changes to energy efficiency rules may potentially lead to further costs that may be unsustainable for their current incomes, risking further landlords to leave the PRS.
Propertymark has long called for decision-makers across the UK to move away from a one-size-fits-all policy and develop energy efficiency proposals that work with the different ages, conditions, and sizes of properties. This way each of the governments across the UK can target grants and funding support based on the characteristics of a property rather than its tenure.
In particular, the UK Government must continue to invest in the Green Homes Grant Voucher Scheme or introduce a suitable alternative to help landlords and homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their properties, cut their carbon footprint, and reduce household energy bills.
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Rental property register: new guidance sets out agents’ role and 28-day deadlines
Letting agents and property managers will be able to submit and update certain property details on behalf of landlords through England’s new ‘Register your rental property’ service. Guidance published on 29 October 2026 explains how this will work, who is responsible, and how teams can prepare before the service launches in December.
Budget 2026 raises landlord taxes as new support targets first-time buyers
Landlords face a further rise in property income tax from April 2027, while first-time buyers will gain access to a new £4.7 billion equity loan scheme. Chancellor John Healey’s Budget, delivered on 28 October 2026, also sets out more funding for affordable homes, changes to business rates and further details of the council tax surcharge on high-value properties.
Buy-to-let at 30: celebrating the collaboration that changed private renting
Launched in October 1996, buy-to-let followed several years of work by ARLA (now ARLA Propertymark), its members, and established UK banks and mortgage lenders. Their aim was to create finance that reflected the needs of landlords and the income generated by rented homes. Three decades on, the anniversary is also an opportunity to consider how agents, lenders, and policymakers can support investment in good-quality rental homes.
Rent increases and the First-tier tribunal
This practical guide explains the Section 13 process, notice requirements and tenants’ rights to challenge rents. Learn how the First-tier Tribunal makes decisions, what evidence to provide and how to support landlords and tenants with confidence.
Councils can wield empty homes powers sooner
Local authorities in England will be able to apply for Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) for homes left empty for six months, rather than two years, from 5 November 2026. This is a positive move, although EDMOs should be used only as a last resort. The measures could be enhanced by adding a requirement for local authorities to consult a qualified agent to speed up the process of returning stock to the market.
Empty homes need action, not just higher tax
We have taken our campaign to unlock empty homes directly to the Senedd, urging policymakers to widen access to funding, recognise private landlords as housing providers, and assess whether council tax premiums are bringing properties back into use. In an evidence session on 21 October 2026, our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Timothy Douglas, highlighted the need for practical support for owners, better housing data, and properly funded local authority teams.
